Opera singer and GoCompare advert star Wynne Evans was filmed making a vile sexual remark about his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars while kicking off the UK tour
Wynne Evans has sensationally been axed from the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour.
It comes after a video emerged of him making a vile sexual remark at his co-star while at the launch of the tour in Birmingham. Evans had apologised for the comment, yet he has since reportedly been axed from the show.
Evans was recorded making an inappropriate sexual comment to Janette Manrara, who acts as host on the tour, when she walked over to the group. He sang out: “Go Compare,” before adding: “Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick].” He then used the hugely demeaning term “spit roast” in reference to a lewd sexual act.
In a statement, Evans told the Mirror: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.” He was seen with the tour cast as they turned up to Liverpool after having to pull out of the Glasgow shows due to an injury. However, it has been reported he will be out of the tour.
Evans made the comment at the Strictly presscall (
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Getty Images)
A source told the Sun: “He’s had repeated warnings about his behaviour and told to rein it in. He’s not been taking it in, in this day and age the BBC have to be seen taking action and safegaurad everyone. He’s had a tough time with the death of his brother and people should give him some slack, he is going to take this time off to do some self reflection.
“He has a lot of support from a lot of the backstage dancers. It’s been a really sad ending to what has been a really fun tour.” Bosses were reportedly satisfied with Evans’ apology, yet it appears it wasn’t enough to save him. “As soon as they were alerted to the remarks, tour producers called a meeting with Wynne,” a tour insider previously told the publication.
“He was very apologetic and fully agreed that what he said was inappropriate and unacceptable. He was given a warning and told in no uncertain terms that that kind of language is not tolerated.” They claimed Evans was “visibly upset” and “full of remorse” when backstage in Glasgow.
The source added that Evans likes to crack a joke and “on this occasion he just didn’t think and overstepped the mark”. He is reportedly receiving mental health support. It is not the first time Evans has come under fire for his behaviour. During the BBC show, Evans was slammed as he appeared to inappropriately touch his professional dance partner Katya Jones live on TV. Amid backlash, the pair claimed it was an “inside joke” and Katya defended Evans.
He has reportedly been axed from the tour (
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Getty Images)
Evans issued an apology after the video was shared (
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Instagram)
Evans had also found himself at the centre of drama after a “vulgar” joke he reportedly made behind-the-scenes was “leaked”. The opera singer claimed his double chin resembled a vagina as he got his make-up done backstage. Sources speaking to The Mirror claimed: “It was a bit of a vulgar dad joke.”
The source added: “Wynne clearly didn’t mean any offence, but you have to be a little bit careful these days.” A source close to Wynne said the joke was self-deprecating and made in a private conversation with a make-up artist. At least one other person was in the room, and the source claimed that the make-up artist was not offended.
Following the incident on tour, the BBC revealed that they had warned Evans about his behaviour. A spokesperson for the Strictly Live Tour and BBC Studios said: “We were not previously aware of the remark and did not receive any complaints. We have made it very clear to Wynne that we do not tolerate such behaviour on the tour.”
He is also taking time off from his radio show while on tour. A spokesperson for BBC Wales said: “Wynne is taking some time off from his show on Radio Wales. Robin Morgan will be presenting in his place.” Evans typically hosts a weekday morning music and chat radio on the station, but broadcaster Robin sat in for him on Monday during the 9am to midday slot.
