Wynne Evans won't be last star axed by BBC as famous faces to be 'cannon fodder'

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

The BBC has launched a non-nonsense drive to be seen to clean up its act, and there will be consequences for some on-air talent, but a source has told the Mirror that Wynne won't be the last
Wynne Evans won't be the last star axed in the big BBC clean-up, a senior TV source told the Mirror. Earlier today, Go Compare star and radio and TV personality Evans confirmed he will not be returning to his BBC Wales radio show after a series of incidents and warnings over his behaviour.
In a statement on social media, Evans said: "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. That show wasn't just work -- it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family.'
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And the BBC responded with their own statement and a spokesman said: 'Wynne Evans is not under contract with the BBC. He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales and there are currently no plans to work with him'.
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Now a PR source with knowledge of recent BBC investigations insisted Wynne Evans would not be the last big name axed by the BBC in their latest crackdown.
The source said: 'The BBC and major production companies are cutting talent loose faster than ever. One mistake, old or new, and you're out.. Some ignore warnings, others are punished for past missteps.
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'The BBC's playing hardball, desperate to be seen cleaning house—regardless of context. Some will be cannon fodder.
'Celebs like Lineker are shifting power to their own channels, using social media as a safety net. When institutions drop you, the crowd becomes your vital platform. Fame isn't a red carpet anymore—it's a trapdoor.' The BBC has been at pains to clean up any issues with Strictly or other talent issues in recent months.
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In July last year, BBC Director General Tim Davie promised of Strictly: 'We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.' Wynne hit the headlines for multiple reasons during his time on the BBC dance show. He was shown grabbing his professional partner Katya's waist before she pushed his hand away, but he later insisted it was a joke.
He then came under fire for using the term 'spit roast' to Janette Manrara during a Strictly photocall but he later insisted it was directed at Jamie Borthwick and nothing to do with Janette.
"As a result of the comment, he was axed from the Strictly tour - and then a video emerged of him sending a sex toy to his co-star Jamie, which both were heavily criticised for. He has now seen his BBC career seemingly end, at least in the short term.
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In April this year a BBC Workplace Culture review was published and the corporation vowed to take 'immediate action' to change things in the wake of the Huw Edwards scandal.
Last weekend Gary Lineker left the BBC, a year earlier than planned. He was axed after a social media row where the 64-year-old shared a post about Zionism, which featured a depiction of a rat, historically an antisemitic insult.
Lineker, the BBC's highest-paid presenter, issued an unreserved apology as it was confirmed he would leave his presenting role at the BBC early and will no longer front the corporation's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season.