Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant Susanna Reid has jumped to the defence of Katya Jones and Seann Walsh, after they were caught kissing in the street behind their partners’ backs.
The ‘Strictly’ pair, who are currently coupled up on the BBC ballroom show, issued a public apology after they were filmed in a passionate embrace in footage that emerged over the weekend.
Reacting to the news on Monday’s ‘Good Morning Britain’, Susanna said that she sympathised with Katya and Seann.
“It was just a kiss, and they’d had a few drinks, we’ve all had a few drinks,” she said. “We’ve all had a few drinks and had a kiss, haven’t we?”
The show’s showbiz correspondent Richard Arnold, who has also been a ‘Strictly’ contestant, noted: “I think it’s possibly the fact they had partners waiting in the wings, that’s the real issue.”
He then went on to question whether the pair would continue to dance together on ‘Strictly’ in the wake of the scandal.
Both Seann and Katya have claimed the kiss was a “one-off mistake”, with Katya insisting she was “very happy” with husband and fellow ‘Strictly’ professional Neil Jones.
She said in a statement: “I’m so sorry about any offence or hurt I may have caused with my actions. I wasn’t thinking and it was a one-off mistake after some drinks.
“I love my husband and we are very happy together, this is not a reflection on our relationship.”
Seann tweeted: “In light of the story in today’s newspaper I would like to offer my sincere apologies for my actions. This is no excuse but it was a one-off drunken mistake which I am truly sorry for.”
Neil is yet to comment on the media furore, instead sharing a video of Katya and Seann’s performance on his Instagram account, showing the pair his support.
Meanwhile Seann’s girlfriend, Rebecca Humphries, has also remained silent, though she has been seen “liking” various posts on Twitter calling for the comedian to publicly apologise to her directly.
‘Good Morning Britain’ airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.