Wynne Evans has dropped out of the Strictly Come Dancing Tour in the latest blow for the Welsh opera singer who has a list of controversies linked to his name
Wynne Evans, known for his role in the GoCompare adverts and appearance on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, has unexpectedly dropped out of the show’s live tour. The 53-year-old was touring with past contestants but decided to step down following a controversy where he made a sexually inappropriate remark during a photo call.
It’s the latest in a string of controversies surrounding the opera singer. With the news of him being ‘axed’ from the Strictly Tour line-up, we have taken a look back at his problematic moments from over the past year…
Taking to Instagram this afternoon, he said: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that l’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.”
He further expressed regret, mentioning: “I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection.”
Wynne also said, ” I’m sorry 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.”
‘Spit roast comment’
The issue came to light after it was reported that he had referred to host Janette Manrara with the term “spit roast” in a private jest shared with Jamie Borthwick, an EastEnders actor and former Strictly co-star.
In response to the backlash, Wynne stated: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
Before this incident, he had already missed a performance due to an ankle injury, although at that time, BBC officials were not aware of his comment.
A representative for BBC Studios stated: “We were not previously aware of the remark and did not receive any complaints.” They added: “We have made it very clear to Wynne that we do not tolerate such behaviour on the tour.”
‘That’ Katya Jones moment
During the Strictly series last year, Wynne was accused of ‘groping’ his partner Katya Jones, 35.
He was slammed by viewers who spotted a grimacing Katya removing his hand as it moved across her waist following their routine on a live show.
Wynne later tried to give Katya a high five, but the cameras filmed the Russian dancer rolling her eyes and turning away.
Trying to defuse the situation, which blew up on social media, the pair claimed they were “just messing around” and that it was a “silly inside joke.”
Katya later said on the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two: “The idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is total nonsense, and those that have doubts, you guys have got it wrong. So hopefully this will be the end of it, and you just keep making me smile.”
Crude joke
Two weeks later, Wynne caused further uproar when he suggested to a make-up artist the folds in his double chin looked like a vagina. He apparently said his quip was self-deprecating and was made in a private chat with at least one other person in the room.
According to The Mirror, it’s not known if the incident was investigated or a complaint was lodged. A source told us at the time: “It was a bit of a vulgar dad joke.”
They added: “Wynne clearly didn’t mean any offence, but you have to be a little bit careful these days.”
His represenatives were contacted for comment by The Mirror at the time.
