Latest news with #Wynne


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 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'.


Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC addresses Wynne Evans' axing with blunt statement after Strictly scandal
Go Compare advert star Wynne Evans has confirmed he has been axed by the BBC following the Strictly Come Dancing scandals - as he shared an emotional statement with fans The BBC has confirmed that Wynne Evans will not return to present on BBC Radio Wales after he said, 'The BBC has decided not to renew my contract'. Evans, 53, known for the insurance advertisements, revealed in January, he would be taking some time out from both his radio show and the Strictly tour to prioritise his wellbeing. On Friday, 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'. An apology had been issued earlier this year on behalf of Evans over 'inappropriate language' used during the Strictly tour launch in January. 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 had 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. Now Wynne has revealed he has not had his contract renewed and he 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. "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 "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." 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.


Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly's Wynne Evans issues emotional statement after being axed by BBC
Strictly's Wynne Evans issues emotional statement after being axed by BBC Wynne Evans has confirmed he has been axed by the BBC following scandals on Strictly Come Dancing The BBC has parted ways with Wynne Evans following controversies during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing. The well-known Go Compare figure and broadcaster confirmed his departure from his radio programme. Wynne Evans became a topic of conversation for several incidents. Footage showed him grabbing dance partner Katya's waist, which she brushed off; he later claimed it was in jest. Further scrutiny came when he used the phrase 'spit roast' in the presence of Janette Manrara at a Strictly event, though he clarified it was aimed at Jamie Borthwick and not Janette. Following this remark, he was dropped from the Strictly tour, and then faced backlash over a video where he sent a sex toy to co-star Jamie. Evans has now announced that his contract with the BBC has not been renewed, leading him to pursue his radio career independently. Wynne Evans has confirmed he has been axed by the BBC following the Strictly Come Dancing scandals (Image: BBC ) In a heartfelt message shared to his Instagram, he expressed gratitude to his supporters: "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 shared, reports the Mirror. "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." Wynne will not return to the BBC (Image: BBC Radio Wales ) He went on to say: "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." Wynne was partnered with Katya on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC/Guy Levy ) Earlier in January, Wynne had announced he would be taking a break. He stated then: "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 that point, Wynne was also mourning the death of his brother Huw. He revealed that he discovered the BBC's initial decision to suspend him when his BBC pass ceased to function and had been deactivated without any prior notice. Article continues below 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'.


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.