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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Shamed Strictly star Wynne Evans claimed 'rotten' BBC was a 'corrupt organisation' just days before he was sacked over sex-pest furore
In the days leading up to his axing from the BBC, Wynne Evans waged war against the broadcaster branding it 'rotten to the core' and a 'corrupt organisation', The Mail on Sunday can reveal. The Welsh opera singer, 53, was informed on Thursday that his rolling contract at Radio Wales had been terminated after a four-month investigation into his behaviour at the corporation. But the Go Compare frontman had already launched an attack on the BBC on his Facebook page, flooding his comment section with hate messages painting the broadcaster as 'villains'. A well-placed source inside the Beeb told the MoS: 'He's his own worst enemy. If only he had put a sock in it, things could have been very different, but he just can't help himself. He suffers from a severe case of verbal diarrhoea.' It was also learned the 'nail in the coffin' for the BBC investigation was when a video emerged in April revealing Evans sent a sex toy to his co-star, Jamie Borthwick, as part of an ill-judged joke. The investigation was launched after the MoS caught him on video in January at the Strictly tour using the vile sexual slur 'spit roast' – a three-way sex act – in relation to his co-star, Janette Manrara. It was announced on Friday that the presenter had been axed and a BBC spokesman confirmed: 'He is not returning to his mid-morning show and there are currently no plans to work with him.' But earlier in the week Evans was bizarrely bashing the BBC and its director general, Tim Davie, in the comments of his Facebook page. On Tuesday, the opera star insisted he had been 'misrepresented' and urged his supporters to email Mr Davie and argue his case. He went on to say Radio Wales was a 'corrupt organisation' and said: 'Not sure they know how to apologise.' Evans branded BBC employees 'villains' and on Monday said: 'I can't see myself back at the BBC. But I'll let you know where I go.' In the wake of his scandal, Evans sought the employment of crisis PR guru Mark Borkowski. Sources told the MoS: 'He only lasted three days.' I exposed 'spit roast' comment - it led to barrage of hate mail By Dolly Busby When I started filming Wynne Evans at the press launch for the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in Birmingham four months ago, I had no idea of the furore it would cause. But I've no regrets. On that day, the Welsh opera singer, known as the jovial star of the Go Compare adverts, was in a mood. 'Lies! All you print are lies, lies, lies,' he shouted to one female journalist. Much had been written about his behaviour by then already, following accusations he'd inappropriately touched his Strictly dance partner Katya Jones months earlier. Wynne was far from the jocular personality that made him so popular. I don't know what it was – call it journalistic instinct – but I sensed something was going to happen. So I began to film. Minutes later, he turned to his co-star, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, and shockingly suggested a 'spit roast', aimed at Janette Manrara, the host of Strictly's spin-off show. Janette and Strictly's female cast had no choice but to stay silent and keep smiling for the cameras. But I had no such obligation – and was determined to expose Wynne's vile behaviour on their behalf. When The Mail on Sunday confronted him ahead of publishing the story, he issued a formal apology, but later turned on me in a four-month campaign to trash my reputation as a journalist. He claimed this newspaper doctored the video and I took 'spit roast' out of context. He assured fans: 'The truth will come out.' When I exposed him last month for giving a 'surprise' performance at a women's charity, he unleashed his trolls on me, turning my email inbox into a barrage of hate messages. So when the axe finally fell on his BBC career on Friday, I felt vindicated. The truth did come out – and I was right.
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Wynne Evans dropped by BBC after ‘inappropriate language' on Strictly tour
Wynne Evans has said he has been dropped by the BBC, following an apology saying that he used 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. The Welsh opera singer, 53, known for the insurance advertisements, will no longer be a BBC Radio Wales presenter, he announced on Friday. Advertisement A spokesperson for the BBC 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.' Evans revealed in January he would be taking some time out from both his radio show and the Strictly tour to prioritise his wellbeing. Earlier this month he claimed in an interview with the Sun on Sunday that he had not seen the statement apologising for the remark – an assertion that is believed to have been dismissed by the BBC. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wynne Evans (@wynneevans) On Instagram on Friday, he wrote: 'My beloved Wynners, From the very depths of my heart – thank you. Advertisement 'These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know. '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.' Evans thanked his fans, and said he would have an online programme called The Wynne Evans Show, which he called 'terrifying'. Advertisement 'This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever,' he added. 'We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again. We have a new home. I'm bringing more presenters soon and I am sure you'll recognise a few of the faces.' Evans added that he was 'full of nerves. Full of hope. Full of love. Because when we show up for each other — like we always have — anything is possible'. The singer said he would launch an online programme called The Wynne Evans Show (Ian West/PA) Earlier this year, he apologised for language that he called 'inappropriate and unacceptable' after The Mail On Sunday reported that Evans was heard making a remark to a woman in a video filmed during the Strictly launch event. Advertisement It is understood he was given a warning over the remark by tour producers. In January, he 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.' Advertisement The singer, who performed in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera and also won 2023's Celebrity MasterChef, told the Sun on Sunday earlier this month that the Strictly comment was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast but was a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. He told the paper: 'I didn't see the statement, Old Spit-roast Boy was a nickname for Jamie Borthwick. I'm not a bad guy, I'm not a misogynist, I'm not any of these things.' Evans added: 'And so I went, 'I'm so sorry'. And that was taken as a formal apology, so the press team issued a statement. I didn't see it. 'When I read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, I was absolutely horrified.' It is understood any statement issued on Evans' behalf by the BBC was fully approved by him, and the singer also posted his own statement on Instagram in which he apologised. During his time on Strictly, there was controversy over a clip on the show of him placing his hand on his professional partner Katya Jones' waist, which she moved. They both apologised claiming it had been a 'joke'. During January and February this year, Evans' six-part travel programme, Wynne & Joanna: All At Sea – with Welsh actress and Gavin And Stacey star Joanna Page – aired on BBC One.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wynne Evans won't be last star axed by BBC as famous faces to be 'cannon fodder'
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.' 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'. 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. '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. 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. 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.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Mirror's Daily Digest - top stories from jail horror to 'inhumane' airport chaos
In this Friday's Mirror Daily Digest, we've pulled together the biggest stories of the day from jail horror after a prison officer was reportedly stabbed to airport chaos leaving many Brits distressed Welcome to the Mirror's Daily Digest, where we'll be pulling together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Royal teams and more. This Friday, we're bringing you the biggest stories from the newsroom - from a prison officer who was left with 'serious injuries' after reportedly being stabbed to the Tenerife airport chaos which left Brits trapped in sweltering queues. Meanwhile, our News team has been following the Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle's appearance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court today. We've also got the latest on Go Compare star Wynne Evans, who has been axed by the BBC following his Strictly Come Dancing scandals. Horror as 'prison officer stabbed' at jail housing notorious inmates Our News team has reported that a prison officer has been rushed to hospital after he was reportedly stabbed with a flick knife. Emergency services rushed to HMP Long Lartin at around 10 am this morning, following reports that an inmate knifed an officer. It has been reported that the weapon was dropped into the prison via a drone. A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed the attack and said an investigation is underway. They said: 'Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer at HMP Long Lartin. We will not tolerate assaults on hardworking staff and will always push for the strongest punishments against perpetrators." A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "We were called to HMP Long Lartin in South Littleton around 10am this morning (Friday, May 30), following a report someone had been assaulted by an inmate. One man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after sustaining a stab wound. The inmate remains within the prison and the investigation is on-going. " Wynne Evans axed by BBC after Strictly scandal After months of Strictly Come Dancing scandals, Wynne Evans has been axed by the BBC, our Showbiz team reported this afternoon. The Go Compare star revealed that he has not had his contract renewed and will not be back with the BBC for his radio show - and thus has decided to continue to do his radio show away from the BBC. It comes after the TV personality hit headlines during his time on the dance show, where 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. In an emotional statement, he said: "My beloved Wynners, From the very depths of my heart — thank you. These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know.' "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." Brits caught in 'inhumane' airport chaos as passengers fight and vomit in crush Our Travel team has been following the latest updates on the Tenerife South Airport chaos, after British travellers found themselves trapped in two-hour queues and "inhuman" conditions at the start of the school holidays. Last Monday night, more than 500 people found themselves packed into a waiting area at the Canary Islands travel hub. They waited for hours to pass through the security as a bottleneck formed by two checkpoints, each staffed by two National Police officers. Top Spanish officials will now hold an urgent meeting after the tourists faced "inhuman" conditions at the start of the school holidays. Many were held on a sweltering plane for 45 minutes, only to disembark and find broken escalators and lengthy queues for passport checks. Becks Gravil was one of those swept up in the chaos. It took her family two hours to leave the airport after landing at 8.30pm. "Never in my life have I ever seen it this bad," she explained. "There was fighting, people being sick, people fainting - all crammed in like sardines. What should have been an hour from landing to Adeje turned into four hours. What a day!" Paul Doyle LIVE: Liverpool parade suspect in court Our News team has been working around the clock to cover Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle's appearance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court this morning. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the 53-year-old is accused of two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is also accused of two counts of attempted unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving. Doyle shook his head in the dock as the prosecutor told the judge he drove "deliberately at the crowd" and "used his vehicle as a weapon". Police previously said 79 people were injured when a car drove into supporters on Water Street at around 6pm on Monday, with seven people still in hospital when Merseyside Police revealed his charges yesterday. Doyle will appear at court again on August 14 for plea and trial preparation hearing. Prince Harry 'so disappointed' by Diana sisters' blunt take on Meghan There's never a quiet day for Prince Harry, and it has emerged that the Duke of Sussex"was so disappointed" when he introduced Meghan Markle to Princess Diana's two sisters, our Royal team reported. Harry had hoped Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes would have similarities to his mother, who died when Harry was just 12. However, although Harry believed Diana would have been "over the moon" about his relationship with Meghan, he was upset with her sisters' reaction. They reportedly did not see the same character traits in the two women and Harry, 40, suffered a further blow as Lady McCorquodale and Lady Fellowes "thought Meghan would not fit in with the Royal Family." Regardless, Harry married his partner soon after in 2018 and has gone onto have two children with the former actress. The insights have come about in the book Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors, written by royal biographer Tom Bower. He penned: "Harry assumed that Diana's family and friends would see a similarity between Diana and his fiancée. Both, he said, shared the same problems. He was so disappointed."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Wynne Evans' radio contract axed by BBC following Strictly controversy
The BBC have 'decided not to renew' the Go Compare advert star's radio contract. The BBC have 'decided not to renew' Wynne Evans' contract following his Strictly Come Dancing scandal. The Go Compare star has confirmed he will not be returning to his radio show with a statement on social media. The TV personality was shown grabbing his Strictly Come Dancing partner Katya's waist before she pushed his hand away, in a moment that sparked widespread controversy. But the star later insisted the uncomfortable moment was a joke. He then came under fire for using the sexual term 'spit roast' to Janette Manrara during a Strictly photocall, later insisting it was directed at Jamie Borthwick and nothing to do with Janette. The graphic comment got Evans axed from the Strictly tour, before a video emerged of him sending a sex toy to his co-star Jamie, which was again met with criticism, reported The Mirror. Wynne has now revealed he has not had his contract renewed by the BBC, and he will not be returning with his radio show. He has decided to continue to do his radio show elsewhere. "My beloved Wynners, From the very depths of my heart — thank you. These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know," he said in an emotional statement. "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." He continued: "But here's what I believe with everything I've got: what we built cannot end here. So — deep breath — here goes... We're getting the band back together. "The Wynne Evans Show is coming back, live every day from 9am–12pm on a new app, on Alexa and Google (we don't have to say 'smart speaker' anymore!) and at "This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever. We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again." A spokesperson for the BBC 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." Back in January, Wynne issued a message to say he was taking some time away. 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." At the time, Wynne was also grieving the loss of his brother Huw and said he found out about the BBC's decision to originally suspend him when his BBC pass no longer worked and had been deactivated without warning. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
