Strictly Come Dancing’s Neil Jones has urged fans to spread positivity and kindness as he returned to the red carpet with wife Katya Jones.
The pro dancer shared a photo to Instagram showing him and Katya at Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards on Monday night.
It marked their first red carpet appearance together since Katya was forced to apologise for drunkenly snogging her Strictly partner, comedian Seann Walsh, earlier this month.
Neil has not directly addressed the incident.
Read more: Strictly fans cringe over Seann Walsh’s ‘drunk video’ joke
The red carpet photo he shared to Instagram was the first picture of him and Katya that he’s shared since the kiss scandal and it was accompanied by an inspirational caption.
He wrote: “WOW what an evening @prideofbritain last night. It’s always very emotional to hear the stories of so many kind, strong and great humans and especially what they have done to help others, it left me feeling very inspired and excited to want to help others.
“Please today spread positivity and kindness even if it’s with a smile or opening a door because every little helps.”
Fans were quick to respond to Neil’s words, saying they agreed with his sentiment and were happy to see him and Katya on the red carpet together.
One wrote: “So very true. And kindness doesn’t cost anything. A lovely photo of you both.”
Another agreed: “Fabulous couple!! You both looked amazing! I’m a firm believer that a smile and positivity goes a long way and can make someones day so I always do my best to show kindness and put a smile on peoples faces.”
A third added: “So very true! Positivity and kindness cost nothing but can make so much difference.”
Seann was also at Pride of Britain, walking the red carpet solo.
Neil has not been partnered with a celebrity on this year’s Strictly but has been taking part in the group dances.
Katya, meanwhile, was eliminated from the competition on Sunday night when she and Seann landed in the dance-off against Graeme Swann and Oti Mabuse.
They have been at the centre of a media storm over the last month after being pictured snogging in the street after a night out.
Seann was subsequently dumped by actress girlfriend Rebecca Humphries.
Both Katya and Seann apologised via Twitter, saying it was a “drunken mistake” and meant nothing.
Seann wrote: “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.”
Read more: Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood reacts to Seann Walsh’s exit
Katya echoed that by saying: “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.”
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.
— katya Jones (@Mrs_katjones) October 7, 2018
Katya, who married Neil in 2013, said on It Takes Two: “Obviously I apologise, and I can’t apologise enough to everyone who it hurt and involved. But, the main thing for me is that me and Neil are absolutely fine and that’s what matters to me the most right now and focusing on my job and doing it as professionally I can.”
Meanwhile, it was recently rumoured that Neil will have a celebrity partner in this year’s Strictly Christmas special.
According to reports, he’ll be paired with former winner Caroline Flack in the festive episode.
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