Wynne Evans got plenty of people talking after performing a Strictly Come Dancing first in his routine on the programme.
The Welsh singer was back on screens on Saturday (November 2) for another episode of the glitzy BBC One show. In the latest instalment, the 2024 cast took part in the show’s first-ever Icons Week, paying homage to legendary musical artists.
However, it’s fair to say Wynne Evans’ Strictly performance left plenty of people divided…
The pair put on an incredible performance (Credit: BBC)
Wynne Evans performs show first on Strictly
During Strictly on Saturday night (November 2) Wynne and pro partner Katya Evans performed a rumba to Shirley Bassey’s This Is My Life.
But at the end of the emotional routine, the singer took over from the band who were singing. And in what appears to be a show first, Wynne sang the final line.
After their dance, which ended up scoring 30 points, Host Tess Daly gushed over the routine. She told Wynne: “You blew the hair off the back of my arms there. That was something.”
While judge Anton Du Beke described it as “the best ending to any number I’ve ever seen in my entire life”.
The Welsh singer belted out the last line of the song (Credit: BBC)
Fans divided by Wynne’s Strictly performance
However, viewers at home were not too impressed. Rushing over to X, formerly known as Twitter, one person fumed: “I’m sorry this isn’t a singing competition. How is it fair that Wynne gets to sing at the end?? Always giving him new rules & special treatment.”
This isn’t a singing competition
A second added: “Why was Wynne allowed to sing? Other singers that have been contestants haven’t sung.” A third penned: “This isn’t a singing competition so that doesn’t seem fair.”
Strictly viewers soon shared their thoughts (Credit: BBC)
‘He should be really proud’
But other Strictly viewers were quick to defend Wynne and applaud him for his performance.
Wow Goosebumps
“Really loved Wynne’s routine & the powerful & inspiring message it gave, not to mention the amazing vocal finish at the end! He should be really proud!” said one person. Another person on X gushed: “I enjoyed it.”
A third penned: “I loved that Rumba & when Wynne sang the ending line wow Goosebumps. Choreography by @Mrs_katjones was beautiful & powerful.”
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.
Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nation’s favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.
Tonight’s episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.
Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.
That said, Lauren still admitted it feels “really special“ to be a part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary. “I’ve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I can’t believe I’m now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. It’s the best show on telly, so I’m not surprised it’s lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. It’s amazing,“ she said.
Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last year’s finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.
For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatles’ iconic Twist and Shout.
Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!”
Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkas’ first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
After winning last year’s Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.
After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. “It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!” she said.
During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Boone’s recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.
Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: “That’s what swung me hook, line and sinker. I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”
Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and she’s partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.
The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JBto have the best time and fall in love with dancing,” Amy said.
Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You.
Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)
For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washington’s Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.
“It feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody that’s ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that it’s still going. It’s just amazing,” he said about the upcoming series.
Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: “How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!”
They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!
Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.
Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: “Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race…. We’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally!”
Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starship’s We Built This City.
Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. “I just want him to enjoy himself,” said Karen. “I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!”
Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Les’ anthem Vindaloo.
Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. They’ve already sparked romance rumours!
Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: “100%. The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”
However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: “What’s a Paso Doble?”
Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)
Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez
Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.
As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed it’s a “privilege” to be a part of the 20th anniversary.
“It’s the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesn’t happen very often. It’s incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. I’m very excited to celebrate it,” he said.
Dr Punam said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience.”
Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogue’s Love At First Sight.
Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but she’s about to learn a whole lot more now that she’s partnered with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec.
The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.
Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.”
Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)
“I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!” Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.
For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Styles’ Golden.
Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neil’s first celebrity pairing since 2021.
“I’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long,” he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonna’s Ray of Light.
Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)
The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?
Sam and Nikita’s first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.
Olympian Sam told Tess: “I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!”
Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.
Asked if he thinks he’ll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: “Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!”
For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.
Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.
“I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey,” said Shayne.
Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.
“I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get,” Wynne said.”Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!”
Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: “I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!”
For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself.
Strictly fans were left devastated last night when Nigel Harman was forced to pull out of the competition. The news was revealed just hours before the live show was due to begin.
The Casualty actor had to quit after sustaining an injury. As it was the quarter finals there was no option for a bye to next week – and arguably, Nigel wouldn’t have been well enough to perform by then anyway.
He appeared on Saturday night’s show (December 2) alongside pro partner Katya Jones. As they explained what had happened they were both tearful at having to say goodbye.
The emotion got to both Nigel and Katya (Credit: BBC)
What injury did Nigel Harman sustain on Strictly?
Strictly shared news of Nigel’s departure on their social media accounts, writing: “Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly.”
Nigel then appeared on the show with Katya, looking tearful and upset. He explained what had happened.
He said: “I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men and as I flew I was Peter Pan and as I landed I was in A&E. So I’ve done something to my rib. I’m a little bit high on painkillers as well!”
He went on to add: “I’ve loved it, I am loving it, it’s too soon to say ‘loved’.
“When I watched everyone coming down the stairs I was like ‘oh this is real, I’m not part of this any more’ that was quite sad.”
Katya struggled to talk due to the emotion in her voice. But she managed to say: “I have absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on the dancefloor. I know the reasons you did this is for your daughter and for your parents. Especially missing out on this number, I know your parents would be very very proud of you. I hope you got something out of this you’re going to cherish forever in your broken rib.”
Nigel went on to say: “Kat, the only reason I’m standing here is because of all the work you’ve put in to me. You turn up every day with hundreds of ideas. You challenge me, push me and support me, and make me laugh. You’re part of me now. I can’t even look at you,” he said as he welled up.
They then showed a reel of all of their best bits.
Nigel was coming back strong after last week’s rumba (Credit: BBC)
Fans react to departure of Nigel Harman from Strictly
Those watching at home were ‘gutted’ over losing Nigel.
“Gutted about Nigel having to leave,” shared one. Another added: “Nigel’s speech had me crying tears out my eyes amongst other places.”
“Heartbroken for Nigel Harman and Katya Jones tonight. Nigel is so right, Katya is one of the most talented and imaginative dancers on the show, and one of the reasons I started having dance lessons,” admitted one more.
Someone else said: “I’m feeling so sad for Nigel and Katya. They were so brilliant and I really loved all their dances. Also Nigel seems like such a lovely guy and Katya was the perfect partner and her choreography was amazing. And knowing how much Nigel loves musicals.”
“Stoppp I’m actually devastated for Nigel and Katya. Poor Katya is mess, I really believed they were finalists, gutted for them,” said another upset viewer.
It Takes Two viewers had seen clips of the couple in rehearsals (Credit: BBC)
Plea to see the Charleston
Nigel had been planning to perform a Charleston last night to Step in Time from Mary Poppins. And fans are gutted they didn’t get to see it. They have urged the BBC to show the footage from rehearsal either on tonight’s Strictly results show or It Takes Two next week.
“Wasn’t the same without Nigel wish we could have seen that Charleston from rehearsal,” said one.
Another agreed: “Hopefully we get to see a clip of what Nigel and Katya’s Charleston would have looked like before the injury, such a shame we won’t get to see it now, it looked great and that it could have been his breakthrough moment.”
“Come on Strictly It Takes Two, show us the full Nigel and Katya routine from dress rehearsal. We were so looking forward to it!! Love that number, one of the best musical numbers ever and from the clips we’ve seen it looked incredible,” begged one more.
Someone else also asked: “Strictly, any chance we could see the rehearsal in full of Nigel and Katya’s dance if it’s been caught on film. I think everyone would love to see it.”
“GAH!! Show us one of Katya and Nigel’s rehearsals!!?!” another said.
Claudia and Tess confirmed what would happen tonight (Credit: BBC)
Will there be a Strictly elimination tonight?
As a result of Nigel’s exit, no one will go home tonight. Instead, their scores will be carried over to next week’s semi-final and added together.
It leaves Ellie Leach, Layton Williams, Annabel Croft and Bobby Brazier battling for a place in the final.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Results airs tonight at 7.20pm on BBC One.
