professional dancer Katya Jones has found herself at the centre of another awkward moment on the BBC dance show, as she and her celebrity partner, opera singer Wynne Evans, were during the live show on Saturday.
The Russian pro dancer, who has been part of the show since 2016, issued an apology video after the show for another 'joke' between the pairing earlier in the show, but fans were still concerned this weekend. Here are some of the awkward moments that Katya has experienced on the show, along with her part in one of the biggest scandals to dog the show in its 20 years.
Wynne Evans' wandering handThere has been online drama following Katya and Wynne Evans' performance on Strictly during the live show on Saturday, with many calling out the opera singer for making Katya look uncomfortable with his wandering hand.
After the show, Katya and Wynne posted a video and apologised for their behaviour, which seemed to be aimed at their high fives. Addressing concerned fans in a video, Katya began: "Hello everybody it's Wynne and Katya here. We just wanted to say we were just messing around in the Clauditorium on Saturday night and just want to say sorry. It was a silly joke." Wynne added: "Yes sorry."
In the caption, Wynne added: "Apologies for this tonight we were just messing around. We really are amazing friends. The high 5's is a running joke. Have a great evening @katyajones."
But fans were less interested in the high fives and commented about opera singer Wynne's hand on Katya's waist.
One viewer wrote: "Sorry guys how is that a joke? Ok the refusal to do the high five and the eye roll, yep get that, but the hand slowly moving across Katya’s stomach, and her moving it away and looking seriously uncomfortable?? How is that a 'joke'?"
That kiss with Seann WalshKatya's biggest controversy was most definitely the 'kissgate' scandal back in October 2018. She was snapped kissing the comedian, on his ex-girlfriend Rebecca Humphries’ birthday, outside a London pub.
A witness said at the time: "They were snogging like a pair of teenagers and didn't seem to care who might see them." Just a few days after the pictures emerged,
Seann and Katya publicly apologised for the kiss on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two, but they were slammed for the "robotic" statement by fans. Katya, who insisted at the time that her marriage to Neil was secure, said: "Yes obviously I apologise, and I can't apologise enough to everyone who it hurt and involved.
"But, the main thing, me and Neil are absolutely fine and that’s what matters to me the most right now and focusing on my job and doing it as professionally I can."
Adam Peaty 'almost kiss'Strictly viewers were shocked when the explosive climax of a sexy Argentine Tango routine ended with Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty seemingly almost kiss Katya .
The pair really turned up the heat in the studio with their incredible routine, which ended with Adam appearing to lean in towards Katya while staring into her eyes before pulling away.
It was a sentiment which was held by many at home - with the moment being labelled as the 'almost kiss'. At the time, Adam was in a relationship with Eiri Munro, with whom he shares a one-year-old son.
Neil Jones marriage break-upAfter the Seann Walsh kiss, there was a little time of reconciliation between Neal and Katya, who had been together for 11 years. The pair initially stood by each other, but almost a year later in 2019, they announced they were divorcing.
However, they insisted the kiss-gate scandal had nothing to do with the decision and told fans in a joint statement, they said: "As our fans and loyal supporters you are really important to us and so we wanted to let you know some news. After 11 years, we have made the mutual decision to separate.
"We will always love each other, just in a different way as friends. This will never change what a great team we make and we are really proud of everything we have achieved together.
"Our shared love of dance means we will keep working and dancing together as well as exploring individual projects. No matter what we do we will always support and respect each other.
"We wish one another every happiness and we will remain the best of friends. We are really looking forward to getting back to the ballroom and can't wait to keep on dancing. Lots of love from us both."
A spokeswoman for Neil and Katya made clear the split had not been based on the smooching scandal.
Nicola Adams forced exitStrictly viewers were thrilled when Katya and champion Nicola Adams became the first same-sex couple in the show's history, in series 18. Unfortunately, their journey came to an early and abrupt end when they were forced to pull out after Katya tested positive for Covid-19.
Katya tested positive with symptoms and had to self-isolate for 10 days, while Nicola tested negative and had to quarantine for 14 days after being in direct contact with her.
In a heartfelt message, Nicola confessed she was "absolutely devastated" to be leaving but praised Katya for being the best dance partner she could have asked for.
"She pushed me way out of my comfort zone and it’s been an incredible experience," said Nicola. "I’m gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I’m doing what I can to help."
Katya admitted she was "heartbroken" by the circumstances and dubbed Nicola "her hero" as she uploaded a selfie of them together.
The pro dancer added: "Dancing with Nicola has been an absolute inspiration. She's given her all each and every week and we were so excited to create more dances in the competition.
"Of course, I'm devastated to leave this way but I've made a friend for life and loved every moment of this special journey. I’d like to wish good luck to all the remaining couples!"
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