Opera singer and GoCompare advert star Wynne Evans has been axed from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour after he was filmed making a vile sexual remark about his co-stars
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left divided by the BBC’s decision to drop Wynne Evans from the Live Tour after he made offensive sexual comments towards his co-stars.
The GoCompare singer, 53, faced immense backlash after a video emerged of him making a vile sexual remark at his co-star while at the launch of the tour in Birmingham. He had apologised for the comment, but he has since been axed from the live tour.
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.
During the BBC competition, Evans was also 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.
On Tuesday night, Evans confirmed the axe and agreed with the BBC to “take some time out” from his radio show and the Strictly Come Dancing live tour “to prioritise my wellbeing”. He said in a statement: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that I’ll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection. Apologies to those I won’t get to see at the remaining performances and I’m grateful to my fellow tour gang for all the amazing support they have given me.”
While the majority of Strictly Come Dancing fans are on board with the BBC’s decision to axe Evans from the live tour, others have said that the Welsh star was unfairly dismissed over the comments he made. Taking to X, one argued that the video of Evans making the offensive comment should never have been aired on social media. “It is the BBC at fault for publishing what should have remained a private conversation. He has been unfairly dismissed by the BBC effectively taping his mobile phone.”
Another echoed: “I don’t like Wynne Evans but it feels like there have been pitchforks out for him for a while now. Everyone makes these kind of jokes in real life. I don’t think it’s fair his career is been damaged.” However, another X user argued: “People make these jokes around their friends who they’re comfortable with – behind closed doors. He’s done this in front of the whole nation, trying and failing to be funny. There’s no need to degrade a woman like that in front of a whole room or people – and the nation.”
Following the incident on tour, the BBC revealed that they had warned Evans about his behaviour before he was ultimately axed. 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.”
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