Strictly's Katya Jones issues statement after partner Wynne Evans' 'hand incident' goes viral

Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has issued a statement on social media clarifying an interaction between herself and dancing partner Wynne Evans caught live on air.

The Russian dancer, 35, is currently competing alongside celebrity partner Evans, who is known for being the voice behind the GoCompare adverts, on the BBC dancing series, however the duo found themselves at the centre of a social media controversy over the weekend.

Viewers were concerned after Katya Jones appeared to move the opera singer's hand from her waist (BBC)

Viewers shared their concerns for Jones on X, after she appeared to move the opera singer's hand away from her midriff during a live segment from the show.

The clip has since gone viral online, with social media users accusing Evans of touching his dancing partner inappropriately.

Now the backlash has since made its way back to the pair, as they swiftly shared a response stating they were 'just messing around' in the clip and wanted to apologise for any concern caused, with Jones adding that it was a 'silly joke'.

Fans were still not convinced by the video, prompting Jones to issue a second statement on Instagram. You can see what she had to say below:

"I need to make something crystal clear," she told the camera.

"The hand incident that happened on Saturday night was a very silly inside joke between Wynne and I. So even the idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is complete nonsense. It’s actually absurd.

"So let’s focus on how brilliantly Wynne Evans is doing and what an amazing dancer he’s becoming."

The moment appeared to be a hot topic between the dancers backstage as well, with fellow professional Kai Widdrington responding to the post by writing: "Had the whole nation hook line and sinker."

However the pair have since reassured viewers that all is well between the pair (BBC)

Evans has also issued his own brief statement, referring to a separate clip which appeared to show Jones ignoring him after he approached her for a high five.

"Apologies for this tonight we were just messing around. We really are amazing friends. The high 5s is a running joke. Have a great evening," he wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile BBC News has since stated that a source for the dancing show had told them: "The welfare team have checked in on the pair and there are no further actions planned."

The pair have since made it through to the next round of the dancing competition after winning fans over with their performance to a rendition of ABBA's hit song 'Money Money Money'.

LADbible Group has contacted the BBC for a comment.