Allegations have emerged BBC chiefs received complaints about Wynne Evans participating in Strictly Come Dancing due to allegations regarding his behaviour. The Bectu broadcasting union’s unscripted branch asserted they had “previously raised concerns with the BBC about Evans’ inclusion in the Strictly line-up, after members’ complaints about his behaviour.”
This complication could add to the strain on the BBC, already entangled in a difficult year with controversies such as the Giovanni Pernice bullying issue, reports the Mirror. In response to enquiries, the BBC maintained: “Whilst we don’t comment on individuals, we have processes in place should anything be raised with us.”
During his stint on Strictly, the Mirror reported Evans made an inappropriate ‘joke’ about his chin resembling female anatomy whilst in the makeup room. Moreover, he was dropped from the Strictly Live tour for making a “spit-roast” remark during a photo-op.
These claims surfaced via the official social media account of Bectu’s unscripted branch on Friday afternoon. The Branch questioned whether improper conduct is only acknowledged when recorded, with their statement reading: “Is inappropriate behaviour only a problem when it’s caught on camera.”
Bectu represents personnel and freelancers across the media and entertainment sectors. The BBC had already scheduled a meeting with Evans for the start of next week to discuss his inappropriate comment directed at dancer and presenter Janette Manrara, 41, an insider revealed.
“The BBC very much want to pull up the floorboards and have a good look around, and see if there is anything to answer about beyond the spit roast comment,” they said.
“They are planning to sit Wynne down and have a frank conversation to him about his conduct. The meeting is currently scheduled for the start of next week but they are well aware that Wynne is really struggling with everything, and his welfare comes first, so will give him as much time as he needs.”
The same source indicated Evans was in a “bad way” following his decision to step down from the tour, expressing concern over the potential loss of his career.
The BBC is facing calls to cancel his new travel show, Wynne and Joanna: All At Sea, featuring Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page. He has also taken a step back from his BBC Wales radio show and faces the possibility of being dropped as the face of Go Compare.
Friends of the star are rallying around him, insisting the backlash he’s facing is undeserved. A friend of the individual in question said this week: “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.”
BBC chiefs initially issued Evans with a final warning, hoping that would put the issue to rest. However, as public outrage intensified, they relented and removed him from the live dates.
In his apology for the incident, the opera singer said: “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. 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 support they have given me.”
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