Giggling, hugging and making future dinner plans was what I saw Wynne Evans and Katya Jones do 24 hours before the latest scandal threatening to engulf Strictly exploded.

I was one of the last people to interview the pair before their dramatic appearance on Saturday – after which fans called out Wynne for his hand placement on Katya’s waist, suggesting something more sinister. My reaction to the furore was shock, that it was a whipped up frenzy stoked by people on social media. Because what people were suggesting couldn’t be further from what I saw on Friday.

In our half an hour chat there was not a glimmer of tension or awkwardness. There were lots of laughs, gentle ribbing from each side and clear respect that went both ways. At one point Katya showed me her phone screensaver – a picture of her with a Go Compare-style moustache superimposed on her upper lip. I took it as a further sign that a strong friendship had formed. Someone who felt uncomfortable with her celeb partner wouldn’t do that, surely?

Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones halted her interview on It Take Two on Monday as she issued a statement about Wynne Evans ( 
Image:
BBC)
Katya talked about being welcomed into Wynne’s family, meeting his girlfriend and children. She told him off for not cooking for her – despite bragging about his MasterChef crown. It was playful and the pair spoke about dinner plans once their schedules eased up. Katya sang her student’s praises – saying Wynne had the ability to add special touches to any routine she came up with and that delighted her.

What came across loud and clear in our chat was how serious Katya takes the competition. Dubbed the bossiest pro, it’s a tag she brings up herself but one she doesn’t agree with. Wynne describes her as direct – but also a big softie. While Katya doesn’t take a day off and feels sleep is unnecessary, Wynne refuses to call Strictly a competition and instead sees it as an entertainment show. If there were any backstage drama, maybe that’s where the two sides don’t see eye to eye?

Katya Jones and Wynne Evans before the controversial moment

Katya moves Wynne’s hand back – which the pair insist was an inside joke

Or could it be that the method acting for their moody tango spilled over? Wynne admitted to me he was finding it tough getting into character when they danced to ABBA’s Money Money Money. He had to be arrogant, have an attitude. Katya said he kept apologising thinking he was offending her. It was obvious playing Mr Nasty didn’t come naturally to him.

The whole sorry saga has left Wynne and Katya heartbroken. The pair have brushed the incident off as an inside joke gone wrong. The comedy we’ve come to love them for certainly fell flat on this occasion but it didn’t deserve the outcry it has received. Whether others agree, time will tell. Wynne’s odds to get voted off this weekend have taken a tumble so it could mean we see him exit the show earlier than expected. For a man who just wants to entertain, I really hope this isn’t the way he bows out.

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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)