Wynne Evans, the popular opera singer and star of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, is facing a precarious situation as he reportedly fears being sacked by the BBC following a series of controversies surrounding his behavior on the show. The 53-year-old's troubles intensified after footage emerged of his fellow contestant, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, playing with a sex toy backstage during the live tour, allegedly sent to him by Evans.
This incident, which was shared in a WhatsApp group for Strictly 2024 celebrities, comes just days after Evans was caught using a crude term, 'spit roast,' towards presenter Janette Manrara during a photocall for the tour. Although Evans apologized for the remark, which Manrara did not formally complain about, he later left the tour citing health reasons.
As the situation escalates, Evans is reportedly bracing himself for a decision from BBC bosses regarding the future of his BBC Radio Wales show, expected by the end of April 2025. A source close to Evans revealed, "Wynne is not feeling confident and has confided in friends he thinks he will be dropped. However, that same insider has claimed that Wynne has no intention of going quietly and will ‘tell all’ if he is fired. ‘It’s all a waiting game now and it has been awful,’ they explained.
Evans feels he has been treated unfairly by the BBC, suggesting that his earlier crude remarks were taken out of context. In response to the recent controversies, he took to Instagram, posting a selfie with the caption, "Hey it’s Sunday. Doing ice therapy tomorrow gonna be wicked #happy #mensmentalhealth." Two days prior, he shared the same photo with the caption, "#cantwaittotellthetruth." This indicates a growing frustration with how his situation has been handled.
Following the release of the sex toy video, BBC bosses acted swiftly to address the behavior, formally reminding both Evans and Borthwick to "act professionally." Sources noted that many cast members found the behavior immature and inappropriate for a family show, leading to a sense of shock among the production team.
In light of the allegations, Evans has reportedly compiled a 30-page dossier of evidence to clear his name. Friends close to him believe it contains crucial information that could change the narrative around his behavior. According to a friend, "These past few months have been absolutely torrid for Wynne. He has had his name dragged through the mud. He feels he's been thrown under a bus and left to fend for himself."
Moreover, the dossier includes claims that the BBC prevented Evans and his dance partner Katya Jones from releasing a video that would have clarified their own scandal, known as ‘gropegate.’ This incident involved Evans putting his hands around Jones’s waist, which she batted away, sparking controversy among viewers.
Evans's legal team has argued that the BBC mishandled the situation, suggesting that if Evans had been allowed to clarify the misunderstanding immediately, it would have diffused the situation. In a statement, one friend commented, "If Katya and Wynne had been allowed to clear it up immediately it would have just gone away. Instead, people have been left to think Wynne is some sort of pervert." Evans's friends have rallied around him, insisting that he is a respectful individual who loves women and does not deserve to have his career jeopardized over what they claim is a misunderstanding.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a cyber forensics team reportedly analyzed the footage of Evans’s remark and discovered a nuance that had not been previously acknowledged. They found that Evans can be heard saying "old spitroast boy" to Borthwick, which his team believes alters the context significantly. It suggests he was addressing Borthwick in a joking manner rather than making a crude comment about Manrara.
Janette Manrara has also shown support for Evans, sending him messages expressing concern for his well-being. In one message, she said, "Wynne please know you DO NOT need to worry about me for a second. Look after yourself and try to focus on the mind staying calm. Deep breaths and one hour at a time." This support from fellow dancers highlights the camaraderie that exists among the cast, even amidst the surrounding controversies.
As the BBC prepares to make a decision regarding Evans's future, insiders have expressed concern over the implications of firing him for what some view as an off-the-cuff joke. A BBC insider remarked, "It’s a huge problem. If they fire a man for making an off-the-cuff joke, where does it end? They are making a rod for their own backs, and pernicious cancel culture - if they keep pursuing it - will lead to no one’s job being safe." This sentiment reflects a growing unease about the implications of cancel culture within the entertainment industry.
Evans, who is best known for his role in Go Compare adverts, has had an exemplary record prior to these incidents, with no formal complaints against him. His friends are adamant that he deserves a chance to clear his name and continue his career without the shadow of these controversies hanging over him.
As the clock ticks down to the BBC's decision, Wynne Evans's fate hangs in the balance. His supporters hope that the evidence he has compiled will lead to a resolution that allows him to move forward, while the public watches closely to see how the BBC will navigate this challenging situation.
