Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans is reportedly in turmoil and fearing for his career after a video surfaced of him using crude language.
Friends close to the former contestant are quoted as saying “he’s in a bad way,” with Evans “worried he could lose everything”. He is allegedly preparing for possibly more instances of his “inappropriate” remarks coming to light.
Following the incident, there are calls for the BBC to reconsider airing his new series with Joanna Page, and Evans has drawn back from his radio slot on BBC Wales. his position as the face of Go Compare also hangs in the balance.
Despite the controversy, his supporters are standing by him, arguing that he doesn’t merit such severe criticism, reports the Mirror.
A friend defended him, saying: “At the end of the day, he has been a bit of an oaf and made a stupid mistake but does he deserve such hatred? Yes, using the term spit-roast was absolutely wrong, and he realises this.
“His problem is that he is a joker and he continually wants to play to the crowd.”
Regarding the incident at the Strictly photo call, the same source explained: “Jamie Borthwick is his mate and he was laughing and joking, and Katya plays along with the joke too. It’s just schoolboy comedy.
“He is more Jim Davidson than Peter Kay, and if anything, is more guilty of having a terrible sense of humour.”
It appears that his deal with Go Compare may be on shaky ground, and insiders suggest he won’t re-join the Strictly tour.
A source said: “Talk of his career ending is premature – at the end of the day, his radio show is very popular, and he is very much liked. Everyone hopes he can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Initially, BBC chiefs gave Evans a warning before finally removing him from the live events amid escalating frustration.
The Welsh Opera singer extended his apologies once more, stating: “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.”
Evans addressed his use of an offensive sexual term during the tour launch photocall on 16 January, which was reportedly aimed at professional dancer Janette Manrara.
He added: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise.”
Despite hopes that his initial apology would settle the issue, it wasn’t enough to maintain his position.
The pressure eventually became too much, and they axed him from the tour.
The BBC is reportedly upset that the drama has eclipsed the debut of his new travel series. A source told the publication: “The timing of this is deeply unfortunate. The comments were idiotic and have clearly overshadowed the first episode. What on earth was he thinking?”
This isn’t the first time Evans has been criticised. Last year, while competing on Strictly with Katya Jones, viewers noticed her apparently halting his hand from wandering over her waist, which they later brushed off as “just messing around” with a “very silly inside joke.”
It has also emerged that he allegedly cracked an off-colour gag about his double chin resembling a woman’s private parts while being made up for the show.
Although no formal complaints were lodged, it didn’t sit well with some crew members. At the time, a source remarked: “Wynne clearly didn’t mean any offence, but you have to be a little bit careful these days.”
Professional dancer Katya shared Evans’s recent apology and commented: “Let’s show humanity and consideration.”
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