BBC Strictly's Katya Jones and Wynne Evans forced to issue apology after viewers left shocked by on air behaviour

The incident quickly became a hot topic on social media, with fans expressing their disbelief.

One viewer tweeted: "Anyone else see Katya push Wynne's hand away."

Another remarked: "Katya moving Wynne's hand away then...."

Following the social media buzz, Jones and Evans quickly addressed the incident in an apology video shared on Instagram.

The pair clarified that the awkward moment was simply a "silly joke".

Jones explained: "We just wanted to say we were messing around," while Evans added, "We wanted to say sorry. It was a silly joke."

Despite the awkward moment, Jones and Evans impressed the judges with their tango performance to Abba's "Money, Money, Money".

Judge Craig Revel Horwood playfully critiqued: "Your bum was sticking up - but I loved, loved, loved it. Winner, winner, win."

Motsi Mabuse praised their storytelling, while Shirley Ballas enthused: "I got goosebumps, it was passionate and told a tale."

The pair received high marks, including two nines from Ballas and Mabuse, resulting in their highest score to date of 34 points.

The total placed them joint second on the leaderboard for the week.

Evans, known for being the face of Go Compare adverts since 2009, has embraced his participation on the show with humour and self-deprecation.

He quipped: "I'm an overweight opera singer and I'm having the best time."

The 52-year-old added a lighthearted comment about his physical transformation, saying: "Maybe fat men can dance after all.

"I found my ribs this week after not seeing them since 1987."