Strictly’s Katya and Wynne put on a brave face after ‘grope row’ and Anton Du Beke’s awkward comment
STRICTLY Come Dancing pairing Wynne Evans and Katya Jones told fans their friendship is ‘stronger than ever’ as they move on from their ‘grope scandal’.
The Welsh opera singer, 58, and his professional dance partner, 37, were the focus of unwelcome attention a few weeks ago when viewers spotted some strange behaviour during the BBC Saturday night show.
Katya could be seen moving Wynne’s hand from her midriff as well as snubbing his attempt for a high-five, leading viewers to susepct a behind the scenes feud.
However, the duo insisted it was an in-joke gone wrong and have put on a united front ever since.
After making it through another week and celebrating by sharing hugs with EastEnders‘ Jamie Borthwick, they took to Instagram yesterday for a progress update.
Katya said: “There was a lot of hugging. We did it! THANK YOU so much! I can’t tell you how grateful we are for this gift of another week of dancing.
“Boys are still together. And that makes me really happy too. The competition is tougher. Tiredness is real. But friendships and gratitude are stronger than ever’
“Week 8 can you believe it?”
The duo impressed on Saturday for Icons Week, performing an extravagant Rumba to Shirley Bassey’s This Is My Life.
Judge Anton, who was dressed as 70s era Rod Stewart, said: “The best ending to any number I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Unbelievable’.”
It followed Wynne flexing his vocal pipes to belt out the closing notes.
He continued: “I want you to be aware of your spacial awareness to your partner you get either a bit too close to her or a bit too far away from her, but apart from that I want you to carry on as you are as your technique is looking marvellous.”
The routine scored an impressive 30 points and carried them safely through, while Sam Quek was eliminated after battling it out with Montell Douglas in the dance-off.
Anton’s comment wasn’t lost on fans, who were instantly reminded of the pair’s touchy feely blunder earlier in the competition.
One person said: “Anton…most unfortunate comment ever about Wynne’s spacial awareness on relation to his partner.”
Another wrote on X: “Anton, talking about Wynne getting too close, to his partner ! #LeaveIt.”