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A video of Wynne and Katya went viral a fortnight ago (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas has playfully dubbed pro dancer Katya Jones as "a little bit of a jokester" after a clip went viral showing her seemingly pushing celebrity partner Wynne Evans' hand from her waist.
Another snippet from the live show on October 12, capturing Katya snubbing Wynne's high-five attempt, also made rounds online.
The duo quickly addressed the situation, insisting it was all in jest. Katya leapt to Wynne's defence, claiming he had been "portrayed as someone he is not".
Meanwhile, the heartbroken 52 year old Welsh opera star and broadcaster lamented the public's response.
At the Pride Of Britain Awards, Shirley spoke to PA news agency, saying: "I've had the privilege of getting to know Wynne, I've known Katya for 25 years, she is a little bit of a jokester all round that lovely child, and he is just the most phenomenal person you will ever meet."
Shirley didn't hold back in her admiration for this year's Strictly cast, singling out comedian Chris McCausland for his infectious humour and warmth. She continued: "I think the cast is off the chart, when you go in on a Saturday morning it's so full of atmosphere and love and jokes", reports Wales Online.
Shirley Ballas at the Pride of Britain Awards (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
She further commented on the show's comedic talents, adding: "Those comic people like Chris McCausland, you better see what's lurking around the corners, because he's so funny, and he brings light to everything he does, and of course, Pete (Wicks) is also very funny."
"So we've got a great cast and they all seem to have blended really, really well, there's a great feeling backstage."
Wynne and Katya have addressed the scandal (Image: BBC)
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The dynamic among the judges has reportedly seen a boost this series, with one of them sharing: "They've turned up the judges' mics now, we can banter with each other, I don't know if you've noticed that. All in all, it's just a tremendous show."
Following the Wynne and Katya incident, Strictly Come Dancing has been under heightened scrutiny as former celebrities opened up about their experiences on the BBC One dance contest.
The spotlight intensified after Amanda Abbington levelled complaints concerning her 2023 dance partner, Giovanni Pernice.
In response, the BBC instigated an investigation and introduced chaperones across all rehearsal spaces this year.
The BBC addressed the grievances raised by Amanda Abbington, noting: "We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made."
Despite the furor, Giovanni Pernice, who has consistently refuted any wrongdoing, welcomed the conclusion of the review which cleared him of any misconduct.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated Halloween special of Strictly, set to sizzle on screens this Saturday at 6.25pm, with the results show following on Sunday at 7.20pm, available on BBC One and iPlayer.
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