Wynne Evans, the opera singer known for his Go Compare commercials, has been removed from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour and is stepping back from his BBC Radio Wales show following an incident involving an inappropriate sexual comment made during a tour photocall. Evans, 53, expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to those affected, stating that he intends to utilize this time for self-reflection and personal growth. While the specifics of the comment remain somewhat veiled, reports suggest it was directed towards professional dancer Janette Manrara and involved the crude term “spit roast,” although Manrara herself reportedly did not hear the remark. This incident follows what sources describe as repeated warnings about Evans’s behavior.

The fallout from this event has created a division within the Strictly cast, with some dancers distancing themselves from Evans while others have offered support, particularly around his recent birthday. Evans’s brother, Mark, has publicly voiced his unwavering support, emphasizing Wynne’s positive character traits and talent. This controversy comes at a difficult time for the Evans family, who recently mourned the loss of their eldest brother, Huw. The combined weight of these personal and professional challenges has understandably impacted Evans, contributing to his decision to withdraw from public engagements.

This is not the first time Evans has faced scrutiny during his Strictly journey. During the televised competition, he sparked controversy after an on-air incident where he placed his hand on dance partner Katya Jones’ waist, prompting her to move it away. While this moment, dubbed a “grope” by some viewers, was later dismissed as a joke by both Evans and Jones, it nonetheless generated criticism. Despite these earlier controversies, Evans and Jones progressed to Blackpool week, a coveted milestone in the competition, and were subsequently booked for the live tour.

The BBC and Strictly Live producers issued a statement condemning Evans’s behavior and emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy towards such conduct. The decision to remove Evans from the tour was likely influenced by the cast’s divided reaction to the incident, with some professional dancers reportedly uncomfortable with his continued presence. This internal pressure, combined with the BBC’s stance, ultimately led to his dismissal.

Amidst this turmoil, Evans’s co-stars attempted to celebrate his 53rd birthday with a dinner at a Liverpool restaurant, but he was notably absent. Although a cake and other celebratory arrangements had been made, Evans did not attend the gathering. The reasons for his absence were initially unclear, but his removal from the tour subsequently provided context for his non-appearance. While some cast members continue to support Evans, reports indicate that others have taken steps to distance themselves, including unfollowing him on social media platforms like Instagram. However, notably, Janette Manrara and her husband, fellow Strictly pro Aljaz Skorjanec, remain among his followers.

In summary, Wynne Evans’s Strictly journey has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. While his talent as a performer is undeniable, his conduct has come under scrutiny on multiple occasions, culminating in his dismissal from the live tour. His inappropriate comment, compounded by previous incidents and the resulting cast divisions, prompted the BBC to take decisive action. Evans has acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed remorse, indicating a desire for self-reflection and personal growth. However, the repercussions of his actions have undeniably impacted his career and relationships within the Strictly community.

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