What Katya Jones and Wynne Evans 'groping' incident means as Strictly future in doubt

addressed the claims that her partner made her feel "uncomfortable" following an on-air incident-which they . The incident comes after eagle-eyed viewers witnessed the Go Compare opera singer seemingly caress the stomach of the 35-year-old professional dancer.

The attention-grabbing moment occurred while the cast of the 2024 season were gathered together in the green room.

Viewers spotted Wynne moving his hand across her waist before Katya swatted it away. In another awkward moment, the pro dancer refused to return Wynne's high-five, giving him a frosty look which was caught on camera.

The dancing duo responded to the backlash and brushed off the incident as an "inside joke," later apologising for their actions.

But how will the pair fare in the competition going forward, with body language expert Judi James suggesting that they may have to smile more for the cameras to put viewers at ease?

Speaking exclusively to Express Online, Judi addressed how the saga could impact their partnership, saying: "They need to be totally relaxed and trusting with each other to perform well so the spotlight might not have helped although it could have made them more determined to succeed.

They probably don't need this type of attention or speculation though."

The expert continued: "Do they now overdo the smiles and hugs on camera to prove how friendly they are? Or maybe they could show the moves again to prove how hilariously funny they find them.

Or do they distance themselves more to show how polite they are? It's not a comfortable place to be in no matter how genuinely friendly they might be."

Whether the incident will impact their standing in the competition depends solely on the public, according to Judi.

"Fans tend to vote based on relationships, emotional input and popularity as much as technique," she explained. "Couples can pitch a showmance to gain public interest and intrigue. So anything could happen on the back of this."

Wynne and Katya will return to the dancefloor tonight with hopes of impressing the judges with their Quickstep to Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays from 6.20pm on BBC One or catch up on BBC iPlayer.