Katya Jones couldn’t resist a reference to the self-described “hand incident” that plagued her and Wynne Evans’ time on Strictly Come Dancing when she took to social media following this week’s exit.
The duo lost their spot in the BBC dance competition after losing the dance-off against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe – although some fans were fuming that Pete Wicks wasn’t the one to land in the dreaded head-to-head after finishing bottom of the leaderboard.
Evans and Jones made it all the way to the show’s iconic Blackpool Week on Saturday night but just a few weeks earlier, they’d found themselves doing damage control following an on-air incident.
During an earlier episode of the series, Jones and Evans were accused of being at the centre of a feud after viewers spotted the former rejecting the singer’s high-five advance.
Jones rubbished the rumours and described the ordeal as the “hand incident” before the pair both issued further statements after eagle-eyed viewers spotted Evans move his hand across his partner’s waist during one of the live shows.
They dismissed any rumours of a rift or wrongdoing and focussed their attention on dancing, although after their exit, Jones brought the saga up in her first social media update since saying farewell.
“What a way to go out,” Jones penned on Instagram alongside a clip of her and Evans saying goodbye. “As we stood there I was smiling.
“I was smiling because we stood on the Blackpool Tower floor, having had exceeded any expectations. I was smiling because I fell in love with Wales and Welsh people welcomed me with open arms. Diolch yn fawr Wales.
“I was smiling thinking of all the memories we made together, special moments that I will cherish forever.
“I was smiling because the smile hasn’t left my face from the day we got paired up. There’s too much to say. But beyond all – @wynneevans . We got on like a house on fire from the moment we said hello.
“If there’s a way of doing this wild, bonkers, intense thing called Strictly Come Dancing I would only want to do it the way we did it.
“With non stop laughter, humour, lots of singing, staying true to ourselves, being silly and being there for each other. Also with respect, hard work, challenging ourselves and not putting any limitations.
“I ADORE YOU. Please remember, you are enough. You are more than enough. You are the light that we all need in our lives. Keep shining…” Jones continued before making light of the aforementioned “hand incident”.
“And more importantly never miss a high five,” she signed off. (sic)
Both Jones and Evans did their best to remain in high spirits when speaking to Tess Daly during Sunday’s results show after the judges had made their decision.
“It’s been wonderful, I’ve got to say,” Evans began as he avoided mention of the saga. “I feel like it’s what Strictly is all about. If I can come and do Strictly and last until Week None, then anybody can get out there and dance and have a brilliant time.
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“Strictly is such a brilliant family, such a precious family, that I want everybody here in this room and at home to look after it for the generations to come because it is a wonderful, wonderful thing.”
Paying tribute to Jones, Evans said: “To have been partnered with Katya has been amazing and coming every Saturday night to hang out with these guys [to fellow contestants in the Clauditorium], that’s been wonderful. But to spend every weekday dancing has been just fantastic. I’ve grown so much and I’m so thankful to have met this person [to Katya].”
Jones echoed: “To be honest with you, the smile hasn’t left my face since the first day of our training, since the day we got partnered up.
“You [to Wynne] have made this experience so joyous and so full of laughter for me. I’m sure everybody was jealous because you’re the kind of guy that everybody wants in their life. You bring light, you bring laughter, you bring charisma, you fill up every room you walk into with those qualities.”
