Can Strictly recover from its biggest scandal yet?
● Panic among producers as they fear family show is damaged by Seann and Katya kiss shame ● Fears programme won’t be able to attract A-list contestants in future over dreaded “curse” ● Backstage divide as dancers take sides
Strictly Come Dancing has developed a reputation as the kiss of death for couples, tearing apart an astonishing nine relationships since it began in 2004. But last week, producers were struggling to weather the biggest storm in the show’s 14-year history when comedian Seann Walsh was caught kissing his dance partner Katya Jones, who is married to fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones.
‘DRUNKEN MISTAKE’
The shamed pair released statements on Twitter after snaps of them snogging went viral, both apologising for what Katya, 29, called “a oneoff mistake after some drinks.”
She added, “I love my husband and we are very happy together, this is not a reflection on our relationship.” Seann, 32, wrote, “This is no excuse but it was a one-off drunken mistake which I am truly sorry for.”
After being abandoned by Seann on her birthday to spend time at a pub with Katya, his then-girlfriend, actress Rebecca Humphries, released a powerful statement publicly dumping her beau, which garnered widespread support from a host of celebs, including Stacey Solomon and ex-strictly stars Carol Vorderman and Laura Whitmore.
In her statement, Rebecca declared that she was “not a victim”, hinting that Seann had previously been guilty of gaslighting her by calling her a “psycho” when she raised her fears that he was cheating.
Appearing on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, Seann addressed Rebecca’s shocking announcement, explaining, “I’m not perfect, far from it. Our relationship wasn’t perfect. That doesn’t mean I wanted it to end the way it finally did, and I’m very sorry for that.
“I feel it’s also important for me to say that the people that know me the most, that love me, they know that I am not the person I’m being portrayed as.”
Katya added, “I can’t apologise enough to everyone who it hurt and involved, but the main thing [is] me and Neil are absolutely fine and that’s what matters to me the most right now and focusing on my job and doing it as professionally I can.”
CALLS TO BE AXED
As Closer went to press, Katya and Seann were still in the competition and set to perform the Charleston, but countless fans had called for the pair – who insiders last week claimed had kissed on multiple occasions – to be axed.
“Seann and Katya should be removed from this family show. Disgraceful behaviour,” wrote one viewer, while another wrote, “I think Seann and Katya should be booted from Strictly.” Even judge Craig Revel Horwood insisted the pair perform a “dance of shame.”
Earlier this year it was reported that 21 top stars had turned down the chance to appear on Strictly, amid fears that the curse could strike again – while the current crop of celebs faced criticism for their lack of showbiz credentials. So has the latest scandal damaged the show beyond repair?