Strictly Come Dancing Stars Amy Dowden and Neil Jones Respond to ‘Gropegate’ Controversy After Fans Question His Behavior

Amy Dowden and Neil Jones have addressed the online controversy surrounding an awkward moment on Strictly Come Dancing, after viewers accused the professional dancer of making his co-star uncomfortable during last Saturday’s live show.

The incident quickly attracted attention on social media, with some fans criticizing Neil’s behavior and comparing the footage to the infamous “Gropegate” controversy involving Katya Jones and Wynne Evans in 2024.

Now, Amy and Neil have responded together in a tongue-in-cheek Instagram video, seemingly putting the speculation to rest and reminding viewers that the pair have shared a friendship for many years.

What Happened Between Amy Dowden and Neil Jones?

The moment that sparked the discussion occurred during Saturday’s episode, as Lacey Turner and her professional partner, Vito Coppola, made their way into the Clauditorium balcony area after completing their performance.

While the cameras were focused on the returning couple, Neil, 44, could be seen standing behind Amy, 36, with his hand resting on her hip as they moved along to the music.

However, viewers noticed what appeared to be Amy shifting away from his hand. She subsequently reached for fellow professional dancer Alexis Warr and wrapped her arms around her.

Some fans also believed Amy avoided standing next to Neil afterward, prompting questions about whether she had been uncomfortable with the interaction.

The footage soon circulated online, with several viewers expressing their disapproval of Neil’s apparent behavior. Comments described him as “slimy” and “strange,” while others went further, calling him a “creep.”

The reaction also brought back memories of the 2024 incident involving Katya Jones and Wynne Evans, which became widely known as “Gropegate” after viewers questioned an interaction between the pair during the competition.

Although the two situations involved different dancers, the comparison quickly became part of the online conversation surrounding Amy and Neil.

Amy and Neil Respond With a Playful Instagram Video

Rather than issuing a lengthy statement, Amy and Neil chose a more lighthearted way to address the speculation.

In a video shared on Instagram, Neil appeared to feign surprise as Amy placed her own hand on his hip and danced around him. Alexis Warr also joined the pair in the playful clip.

The video appeared to turn the original moment on its head, with Amy taking the lead in the exaggerated interaction rather than appearing to move away from Neil.

Neil accompanied the post with a short caption that offered his own response to the controversy:

“#nocomment #friendsfor20years.”

The reference to their 20-year friendship appeared to underline the message behind the video, while the humorous approach suggested that the pair were not taking the online accusations too seriously.

Alexis’ appearance also added another familiar face to the lighthearted response. Her celebrity dance partner, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, had been eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing two weeks earlier.

Fans quickly reacted to the video, with many welcoming the pair’s response.

“Well said Amy!” one person commented.

Another viewer praised the way they had handled the situation, writing: “And that’s how you stop bad rumours.”

A third added: “Love it. Excellent work.”

Amy Dowden Has Another Special Strictly Performance Ahead

The controversy comes as Amy prepares for another appearance on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor, this time alongside television presenter Rylan Clark for a special performance supporting Children in Need.

Amy and Rylan will perform together in a routine dedicated to his mother, Linda. Rylan, who is known for his presenting work on This Morning, will be stepping away from his usual television duties to take part in the fundraising event.

Amy announced the collaboration on Instagram, describing Rylan as “lovely” and expressing her excitement about dancing with him.

The special performance will also feature other familiar faces from British television and radio.

Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox will be paired with professional dancer Julian Caillon. Her routine will be dedicated to her brother as the celebrities use their performances to pay tribute to people who hold a special place in their lives.

Meanwhile, Mel Giedroyc will take to the dancefloor with Neil Jones. Their performance will honor Sir Terry Wogan, the much-loved broadcaster and longtime Children in Need figure.

Five Celebrities Set for the Children in Need Fundraising Spectacular

Amy, Rylan, Sara, Mel, and Neil will be part of a five-strong celebrity lineup, joining previously announced stars Alex Jones and Tyler West.

All five celebrities will also take on hosting duties during the fundraising spectacular, which will be broadcast live from Salford.

The special airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7 p.m. on Friday, November 13.

For Amy, the upcoming performance offers another opportunity to return to the dancefloor after her latest Strictly journey, during which she was partnered with Chris Appleton. The pair were the first couple eliminated from the competition.

With her collaboration with Rylan and the Children in Need event approaching, Amy has plenty to look forward to beyond the recent online discussion.

Meanwhile, her playful response alongside Neil has given fans a glimpse of the long-standing friendship they say they share — even as viewers continue to debate the moment that started the controversy.