Strictly's Wynne Evans set 'to leave show' after scandal with co-star Katya Jones

Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans and his professional dance partner Katya Jones were at the centre of a scandal this week, and now bookies believe the opera singer will 'leave the show' this weekend

Wynne Evans is tipped to take his final bow on Strictly this weekend following the controversy over his awkward exchanges with pro dance partner Katya Jones, according to bookies. The 52 year old opera singer and his partner Katya were thrust into the spotlight after some viewers claimed Wynne made the 35 year old Russian-British dancer uncomfortable.

During Saturday night's live episode of the BBC dance competition, Wynne was seen placing his hand on Katya's waist, which she seemed to swat away. The moment went viral on social media, sparking debate among fans, leading the duo to clarify that it was an "inside joke".

However, the repercussions of the incident are ongoing, with BetMGM slashing the odds on Wynne's departure from a starting 20/1 down to just 9/2, positioning him as the third favourite for Sunday's elimination. Sam Behar, UK Director at BetMGM, commented: "Paul Merson might be the favourite to leave Strictly this weekend but Wynne Evans certainly isn't without a chance of leaving. He looked a lively outsider a couple of weeks ago in the outright betting but the news this week certainly hasn't helped his chances and he's been very well-backed to exit on Sunday night. He opened up at 20/1 but is now just 9/2, with only Paul Merson (10/11) and Punam Krishan (13/4) shorter in the next elimination betting."

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Despite the buzz over what unfolded on screen, Katya has firmly denied feeling uncomfortable or any friction with her partner. Keen to quash any talk of animosity, she shared a light-hearted post on Instagram to her 249,000 followers, showing her and Wynne cheekily posing in front of the judges' photos adorned with faux moustaches, mirroring Wynne's notable Go Compare advert character, complete with their weekend scores.

Along with the picture, she affectionately wrote: "I'm so proud of you @wynneevans," accompanied by a heart-eyed emoji, and noted, "The sweetest welcome back to the rehearsal room.", reports the Mirror.

Katya and Wynne have both maintained that the incident was just a playful misstep that got misunderstood. During an appearance on the BBC's accompanying programme It Takes Two, Katya tried to put any speculation about discord to rest.

Speaking with host Fleur East, she categorically dismissed all suggestions that she had been upset by the act, stating: "The idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is total nonsense, and those that have doubts, you guys have got it wrong. So hopefully this will be the end of it, and you just keep making me smile. I can't sit here watching this man being portrayed as someone he's not."

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