Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans says he is ‘heartbroken’ by the reaction to professional partner Katya Jones moving his hand from her waist during Saturday night’s live show.
The pair have both apologised, saying the moment was a ‘joke’ after a clip showing the incident was widely shared on social media.
The controversy is over a moment when Wynne appeared to slide his hand across Katya’s waist, before she pushed him off. Later in the show, Evans offered his partner a high five, which she ignored before turning back to the camera, stone-faced.
It comes amid heightened scrutiny of the popular BBC One dancing show following celebrities being outspoken about their treatment on the long-running series, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary year.
Opera singer Wynne, 52, known for the Go Compare insurance adverts, said the angry reaction from fans was ‘tedious’ and admitted the ‘joke’ was ‘not funny’.
He told BBC Radio …