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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.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly romance ‘exposed' as Jowita drops biggest clue yet she's dating co-star after Pete romance rumour
A STRICTLY Come Dancing romance has been 'exposed'. The long-running BBC show is no stranger to its stars forming romantic bonds. 4 4 The Sun revealed last year how Jowita and fellow Strictly dancer Vito Coppola had reportedly grown closer. A source said at the time: 'There have been several flings going on under the radar this year but people are talking behind the scenes. 'The chemistry on set is palpable. "But Vito is very respectful of Jowita and has been trying to woo her all series." Taking to Reddit, fans have now shared a new "clue" that the pair are dating. They showed a screenshot from Jowita's Instagram story, where she'd posted an Italy fact. It read: "Study shows that eating Tiramisu in Italy scientifically makes you happier." For much of Strictly 2024, Jowita and celeb partner Pete Wicks were rumoured to be dating. The Polish dancer was also linked to contestant and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, According to a report, the two had a fling while filming the series towards the end of last year. The pair initially met in 2023 when Jamie won the Strictly Christmas special, with them then hitting it off last autumn. Jowita takes savage swipe at Strictly ex after they were caught kissing backstage at BBC show A source told MailOnline at the time: "Jowita and Jamie grew really close while filming Strictly. "Things did get romantic between them, Jowita loves Jamie's playfulness and sense of humour, not to mention he's a very talented dancer." The source then touched on how rumours about Jowita and Pete Wicks allowed her connection with Jamie to "go under the radar". Meanwhile, Jowita previously dated former Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice. And last month, it appeared the show favourite took a savage swipe at her ex. The Sun revealed in 2022 how the show pros enjoyed a secret tryst after Jowita won that year's series with Hamza Yassin. While the pair split just three months later, it appears the Polish dancer is still holding a grudge. In a TikTok video, Jowita danced to Gladdest – Done With Your Ex (Shake It To The Max Remix) by Moliy and Silent Addy, in what fans believed was a not-so-subtle dig at Giovanni. She wrote in her caption: "Dance it. I had to, it's a viiibe! #vibes #ex #womenpower." Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Wynne Evans scandal: The latest as star is dropped by the BBC
Opera singer Wynne Evans has been dropped by the BBC after a string of controversies, including an "inappropriate and unacceptable" remark during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour launch in December. Evans apologised for the remark, reportedly a lewd comment made to EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick about presenter Janette Manrara, and took a break from his BBC Radio Wales show and the Strictly live tour. The BBC confirmed that Evans' contract would not be renewed, stating there are "currently no plans to work with him". In 2024, Evans and his Strictly dance partner, Katya Jones, had to issue an apology for a moment in which the former was shown awkwardly moving his hand from her waist during a live episode. Evans has defended himself against claims of misogyny, announcing plans to launch his own online radio show.
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing's Wynne Evans releases emotional statement as he's axed by BBC
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Wynne Evans has been axed by the BBC in light of the scandal surrounding his time on Strictly Come Dancing. The Go Compare star and radio and television personality has confirmed that his time as a radio show host has come to an end. Wynne made waves during his stint on the popular BBC dance programme for various incidents. One particular moment broadcast on the show saw him grabbing the waist of his dance partner Katya Jones, leading to her swatting his hand away; Wynne later clarified it was all in jest. Further controversy followed when he used the phrase 'spit roast' in the presence of Janette Manrara at a Strictly event, although he maintained that his comment was intended for Jamie Borthwick and was not about Manrara. Following this remark, he was removed from the Strictly tour, and matters escalated when footage surfaced of him sending a sex toy to Jamie Borthwick, an action for which both received backlash, reports the Mirror. (Image: PA) Wynne has now announced his departure from the BBC as his contract was not renewed, and he has shared his plan to carry on with his radio pursuits beyond the realm of the BBC. "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," he wrote alongside a video on Instagram. "Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know." Wynne expressed his heartfelt disappointment as he revealed the BBC had chosen not to renew his contract, effectively ending his time on the radio show. "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." (Image: BBC Radio Wales) Determined to revive the magic, Wynne vowed to bring back the essence of the show. "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 Wynne shared his vision for the new venture: "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." He had earlier stepped back from the limelight, stating in January: "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 I 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 same time, Wynne was mourning the death of his brother Huw. He discovered that the BBC had initially suspended him when he found out his BBC pass had been deactivated without any prior notice. Reach PLC has reached out to the BBC for comment.
South Wales Guardian
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Wynne Evans says he is not a misogynist after remarks during Strictly tour
The Welsh tenor and BBC Radio Wales presenter, also known for his insurance adverts, was touring with the live show after competing on the BBC One programme with Katya Jones last year, when reports by the Mail On Sunday claimed the singer had made sexual remarks about Janette Manrara during a cast photocall. Evans issued a statement apologising and 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.' Speaking to the Sun on Sunday, he claimed he had not seen the statement apologising for the remark. He told the newspaper the comment was not sexual or directed to Manrara but was a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. He said: '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.' 'It's been heartbreaking. 'Spit-roast boy' was a nickname we all gave Jamie Borthwick because he could contort his legs over his head like a spit-roast chicken. 'But it absolutely wasn't meant sexually – and the fact I used 'boy', all right it's nuanced, but it shows I was talking to Jamie, not Janette. 'And of course, your natural reaction is, if you're told you've offended someone, you say, 'God, I'm so sorry'. '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's been a truly awful past few months, having to keep my counsel and let the narrative that I'm some sort of weirdo run. 'I'm not a misogynist, I'm not any of these things.' Evans was also criticised when a video showed him place his hand on professional dancer Jones's waist, which she moved, during last year's Strictly Come Dancing competition. He claimed this was a 'body language experiment' from TikTok that Jones had suggested, and added: 'We did it, we laughed, we went downstairs to make-up and my phone explodes and I look at it… and let me tell you the body language experiment worked.' Later Evans and Jones apologised claiming that it had been a 'joke'. The singer performed in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera and also won 2023's Celebrity MasterChef. He was eliminated during the Blackpool week of Strictly last year.
