Opera singer and radio host Wynne Evans is reportedly planning to take the BBC to a tribunal after his dismissal last month from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour and his BBC Radio Wales show.
Evans’ exit was agreed with the BBC after he made “inappropriate and unacceptable” remarks on the launch event for the shows. He said at the time: “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.”
It is alleged he made the remark towards tour host Janette Manrara during a photocall as she walked over to the group, with Evans’ referring to a sexual act and using the term “spit roast”.
Now, an insider claims that Wynne wants to gain “some recompense” arguing his “reputation has been left in tatters” after the video emerged.
“He said he is going to a tribunal with the BBC and will fight with every breath in his body. Wynne feels he has been treated unfairly and won’t go down without a fight,” the source told The Sun.
The source explained that Wynne is fighting on the grounds of an unfair dismissal, and added: “Wynne thinks he has a case for loss of earnings, as well as a potential breach of contract. He is being advised by a legal team and thinks he has a strong case to take forward.”
In regards to term used by Evans, the source said: “Wynne knows the meaning behind his comment and, to his frustration, so do many of the pro dancers and celebrities who were on the tour with him.
“He knows the language was unacceptable but, ultimately, the meaning behind what he said is not out there.
“It was an ‘in’ joke. It didn’t offend anyone and no one complained. Wynne feels badly let down by the whole process and some of his co-stars who he was incredibly close to.
“He is heartbroken by how this all played out and is upset that no one has spoken out to defend him publicly.
As well as being dismissed from the live tour and his radio show, insiders have said Evans is also worried he could lose his work as the face of Go Compare. His role in Go Compare’s campaigns helped make Evans a household name.
Whilst competing in the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing, Evans and his professional partner Katya Jones had to apologise for a “joke”, after viewers spotted Jones moving Evans’ hand from around her waist and refuse to high-five him during an episode of Strictly Come Dancing. The pair insisted it was “a running joke”. Strictly introduced chaperones “at all times” during rehearsals for the 2024 series after complaints about the behaviour of other dancers.
After Evans’ dismissal from the live tour, Jones took to social media to share her thoughts on the situation, asking fans to “show humanity and consideration” in an Instagram story. Jones also referred to Evans as her “darling boy” adding she “really missed him” during the tour.