Katya Jones makes stance clear on Wynne Evans as BBC Strictly star embroiled in fresh scandal
Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has defended her former dance partner Wynne Evans amid fresh scandal, describing him as “incredible”.
The 35-year-old dancer spoke warmly about the Welsh opera singer despite his recent controversies.
“I can only obviously speak from my personal experience, but I thought Wynne was incredible,” Jones told The Sun’s Fabulous magazine.
She added: “We spent a huge amount of time together and we had a brilliant partnership. We got on like a house on fire.”
Her comments come as Evans faces new allegations involving a backstage prank during the Strictly live tour.
Evans, 53, is alleged to have sent EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, 30, a sex toy as a joke during the Strictly tour.
A video reportedly shared in the Strictly performers’ WhatsApp group shows Borthwick waving the item backstage at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena.
In the footage, Borthwick is seen grinning and saying: “Look at what he bought me. I opened it up and he surprised me with this, didn’t he. It’s so funny.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Jamie Borthwick and Wynne Evans in fresh BBC Strictly scandal as ‘shocking’ sex toy video surfacesWynne Evans insists ‘truth wins’ in rare social media update following BBC Strictly tour axeGiovanni Pernice joins forces with Wynne Evans as BBC Strictly stars take on joint work project after show exits
The camera then pans to Evans, who appears topless and rehearsing with professional dancer Neil Jones.
The video was reportedly recorded on January 18, just two days after Evans made a sexual remark about dancer Janette Manrara.
BBC executives were quick to respond when they became aware of the footage being shared.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “As soon as BBC executives were made aware of this shocking and immature footage being shared, they formally addressed the issue and reminded the pair they had to act professionally.”
The men were reportedly “acting extremely immaturely and inappropriately, considering it was a family show”.
This incident follows Evans’ earlier controversy when he made a sexual remark about Janette Manrara at the Strictly tour’s PR launch on January 16.
Evans subsequently stepped down from the tour a week later after that footage surfaced and sparked public backlash.
He issued a public apology, stating: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
Evans has since stepped back from his BBC Radio Wales show, which he reportedly “absolutely loves”.
The Go Compare star is now considering legal action against the BBC for reputational damage.
With support from his girlfriend Liz Brookes, Evans has reportedly hired lawyers and compiled a 30-page dossier.
He is said to be seeking “recompense” following his axe from the Strictly tour.
Evans recently shared a rare update on Instagram, posting about a personal best time on his bike.
He wrote: “Sunday morning 30 mins done. So good for your mental health,” adding the cryptic hashtags: “#truthwins #wynners.”
The father-of-two reportedly believes his earlier comment was taken out of context.
Rumours of tension between Jones and Evans had previously circulated when footage showed her moving his hand away from her waist and avoiding a high-five.
Jones clarified at the time this was merely an “inside joke” that “backfired” after Evans faced public backlash.
“Wynne has never made me feel uncomfortable in any way,” she insisted.
“We’ve had the most incredible time together, which no one can take away from us.”