Katya Jones breaks silence on Wynne Evans’ BBC Strictly tour axe after singer issues apology
Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has been axed from the show’s live tour following inappropriate comments made at a photocall earlier this month, and his former dance partner Katya Jones has broken her silence.
The 53-year-old opera singer and GoCompare star has also stepped back from his BBC Radio Wales show, with Jones calling for people to “show humanity”.
The decision comes after Evans made a crude remark about It Takes Two host Janette Manrara during the tour launch event on January 16.
The incident occurred during a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, where Evans reportedly made an inappropriate comment about Manrara.
The Mail on Sunday reported that Evans pulled a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick, 30, as Janette moved between them when he allegedly made the crude joke.
Evans has since issued an apology to The Mail on Sunday, stating: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
BBC and Strictly Live producers responded by stating: “We have made it clear to Wynne we do not tolerate such behaviour on tour.”
Taking to Instagram today, Evans announced: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that I’ll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing.”
He added: “I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection.
“Apologies to those I won’t get to see at the remaining performances and I’m grateful to my fellow tour gang for all the amazing support they have given me.”
Strictly professional Katya Jones has broken her silence on Evans’ departure, writing on her Instagram Stories: “Let’s show humanity and consideration. I will miss you my darling boy.”
The comment comes after previous awkward interactions between the pair, including an incident last October when Evans was seen wrapping his arm around Jones’ waist before she pushed it away.
Jones could be seen removing his hand from her waist and she later appeared to reject a high-five from him.
Speaking on his BBC Radio Wales show at the time, the 52-year-old said: “It was a stupid joke that went wrong, okay? We thought it was funny. It wasn’t funny. It has been totally misinterpreted.”
A resurfaced clip also shows Jones telling Evans she would “block him on Instagram” during behind-the-scenes footage from the BBC competition.
Evans missed Saturday’s Glasgow performance, citing an ankle injury, despite previously expressing hopes to return for the Liverpool shows.
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The Strictly live tour is currently at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena for two shows on January 28 and 29.
The tour features celebrities including Jamie Borthwick, Tasha Ghouri, Montell Douglas, Sarah Hadland and Shayne Ward.
For the first time, judge Motsi Mabuse joins Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood across all UK tour dates, with Janette Manrara hosting.