What did Wynne Evans say as Strictly star takes break from live tour and BBC show
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left divided over the BBC's move to exclude Wynne Evans from the Live Tour following his "inappropriate and unacceptable" remarks towards fellow participants. It comes after the opera singer and GoCompare man, apologised for comments that he made.
The Mail on Sunday reported that the 53-year-old was heard making a remark to a woman in a video filmed during the launch event on January 16. It was reported that Evans was given a warning over the remark by tour producers. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
The Welsh broadcaster soon issued an apology. In a statement, he said: "My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise". On Tuesday, January 28, it was confirmed that Evans would not be appearing in the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour or with his BBC Radio Wales show "to prioritise [his] wellbeing".
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In a full statement, issued to his Instagram, Wynne 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, 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 most Strictly Come Dancing viewers have supported the BBC's decision, some have shared a different view and said that the Welsh star has been "unfairly dismissed" over the comments he made. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one argued that the video of Evans making the comment should never have been aired on social media, the Mirror reports.
They said: "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." Meanwhile, another social media user said: "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 has been damaged." 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 of people - and the nation."
Following the incident on tour, the BBC revealed that they had warned Evans about his behaviour before he stepped down. 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."
