Ann Widdecombe brands Strictly's Amanda Abbington 'pathetic' as she slams BBC scandal

Former British politician Ann Widdecombe has waded in on the conversation after the actions of Wynne Evans on Strictly Come Dancing caused uproar with viewers.

Strictly: Jeremy Vine panel debates Wynne and Katya drama

Ann Widdecombe has had her say on the latest Strictly Come Dancing scandal involving Katya Jones and Wynne Evans, saying that it's "pathetic" and the speculation is a "load of tosh."

During a live segment on Strictly last weekend, Wynne extended his hand to the front of his partner's stomach, before she firmly set his hand back to her waist.

Almost immediately afterwards, Katya and Wynne appeared in a video together on Instagram and said that the incident was a "very silly inside joke."

This prompted further commentary as Jones did most of the apologising. Evans later posted on X: “Apologies for this tonight [sic] we were just messing around. We really are amazing friends.”

Speaking about the incident, Ann said on The Jeremy Vine Show this morning: “Given that what they have said and they’ve dismissed it as a nonsense, why is it that everybody's still talking about it?

Katya Jones It Takes Two

Katya recently defended Wynne Evans on Strictly: It Takes Two (Image: BBC)

"We've become obsessed with this. It's pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. Almost as pathetic as Amanda Abbington."

Jeremy then said: "Who is the accuser of Giovanni Pernice."

It is understood that Strictly's welfare team have been in touch with both Katya and Wynne, with no further action being planned.

Relations between celebrities and their professional partners are under close inspection this year, with chapperones being implemented in rehearsal studios.

It comes after the fallout between Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice, who accused the Italian dancer of 'bullying' and 'abusive behaviour.'

Photocall of the Rai Ballando con le stelle broadcast

Giovanni Pernice left Strictly this year (Image: Getty)

An internal investigation by the BBC upheld six of the 17 complaints which the Sherlock actress made against Pernice. He was cleared of any threatening or abusive behaviour.

Giovanni is set to make his return to TV screens in January following the claims. Pernice, who is adding flair to Italy's version of Strictly, is reportedly gearing up for Channel 4's Celebrity Hunted, where stars attempt to evade capture while on the run for 28 days as experts track them down.

Despite being recorded in 2022, Giovanni's episode was put on pause after his co-star Amanda Abbington brought forth bullying allegations, triggering the BBC investigation.


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