Wynne Evans claims Strictly 2024 couple did not get along

Opera singer Wynne Evans has revealed that one couple on his 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing did not like each other very much. The 54-year-old, who was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones and was the eighth star eliminated, made the claim in a TikTok video, refusing to name the pair involved.

Evans alleged that when the couple in question was knocked out, the professional dancer was not upset. He was tempted to say more but could not. "There was one couple in my year, if I'm honest, that didn't like each other very much," Evans said.

Fan speculation and Evans’ denials

Fans quickly began guessing the identities of the duo, with theories centring on pairings like Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones or Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu. Evans directly shut down the speculation about Willcox and Jones, stating it could not be them in any way, shape, or form. He also reacted to the suggestion it was Ward and Xu. Joking about the intense curiosity, Evans remarked that fans would need to get him absolutely smashed on gin Martinis to learn the truth.

Evans’ reasoning for staying silent

In a follow-up video, Wynne Evans explained his decision not to reveal the couple's names. He stated he did not want to identify anyone because the contestants will have their own fans, and he felt his life was weird enough as it is. This confirmed his intention to keep the secret, despite having sparked the conversation himself.

Broader context of Evans’ Strictly experience

The revelation comes amid the broader fallout from Evans' controversial time on Strictly. He was at the centre of several scandals during the live shows and tour. A moment between Evans and Katya Jones during a live episode, where she awkwardly moved his hand from her waist as part of what was later called a 'silly inside joke', was highlighted by Women's Aid. He also used inappropriate language during the Strictly tour launch, for which he later apologised, clarifying the word was a nickname for former EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick but acknowledging it was not workplace-appropriate.

These incidents contributed to his departure from the BBC. He was cut from his Radio Wales show, which he had hosted since 2016, and a BBC spokesperson said there were no plans to work with him again. Reflecting on his elimination, Evans said his former Strictly co-stars reached out to him privately but refused to support him publicly, which he attributed to publicist concerns. He noted Paralympian Lauren Steadman visited him after seeing Anton Du Beke's show, and said Du Beke himself was an exception and remains in contact.

Evans and Katya Jones were eliminated in Blackpool. After rumours of a behind-the-scenes feud between Jones and her celebrity partner, they said their on-screen tension was part of 'a running joke'. Wynne Evans said he was tempted to say one thing but could not say it.