Latest news with #RadioWales
Daily Mail
2 days 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.
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.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Wynne Evans dropped by BBC after ‘inappropriate' Strictly remark
The Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans said he has been dropped by the BBC after using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. Evans, known for the insurance advertisements, announced on Friday that he will no longer be a BBC Radio Wales presenter. He revealed in January he would be taking some time out from both his radio show and the Strictly tour to prioritise his wellbeing. However, on Instagram on Friday, he wrote: '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.' Earlier this year, Evans 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. 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.' On Friday, the singer, who also won 2023's Celebrity MasterChef, thanked his fans, and said he would have an online programme called The Wynne Evans Show, which he called 'terrifying'. He added: '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. 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 told the Sun on Sunday earlier this month that the comment made on the Strictly tour 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'. A BBC 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'.
BBC News
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Aleighcia Scott: 'I'm told my songs aren't Welsh due to my race'
Singer Aleighcia Scott has described how people have told her that her Welsh-language songs "are not Welsh" - which she believes is due to her race. Scott, a BBC Radio Wales DJ from Rumney, Cardiff, said she was "ecstatic" after her song Dod o'r Galon became the first Welsh-language song to hit number one on the iTunes Reggae chart earlier this month. Speaking to Lucy Owen on her Radio Wales show, she said "90% of people are always positive" but "you always get that small percentage of people who are just quite ignorant"."I know the undertone is that the reason they are saying it's not Welsh is because there is a brown lady singing the song," she said. "I almost had to laugh because how can a whole song fluent in the Welsh language, not be Welsh," she added."For me, part of the reason why I'm doing this is because of that, so we can stop this happening and people can see a normal Wales and what Wales looks like." The Welsh-Jamaican artist said it was "so important" for her to represent both of her cultures – Jamaican and Welsh."I feel like everywhere I go outside of Wales, they are also shocked that there are Jamaicans in Wales. But our history here is massive. "So for me, it was important to basically incorporate both of my cultures together in my first Welsh track," she said. Scott added that the online abuse she receives drives her to make a change. "For me, I didn't really see a lot of Welsh media and British media that looked like me as a child growing up. "If I can be like that for some of the children, they'll never feel like they don't belong somewhere."
