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The Irish Sun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Furious Wynne Evans reveals he's no longer speaking to Strictly's Katya Jones as he hits out at BBC
WYNNE Evans revealed he no longer speaks to his Strictly Come Dancing partner Katya Jones as he hit out at the BBC. The opera singer, 53, competed in the 20th anniversary series of the hit dancing programme with professional dancer Advertisement 6 Wynne Evans has called for an independent investigation following the BBC's report Credit: Rex 6 Wynne Evans said he is no longer in touch with pro dancer Katya Jones Credit: bbc 6 The opera singer said the pros are 'too scared to lose their jobs' to reach out Credit: PA But in May, Wynne announced he had been dropped by the BBC and would no longer present on BBC Radio Wales after apologising for using "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly tour. On Thursday, the tenor opened up on the ordeal on his new Wynne Evans radio show. Replying to a fan who asked if he had been in contact with his ex pro dancer Katya since he was suspended from the tour, Wynne replied: "No, I'm not in contact with any of them. "I think that when I was released from the tour I've heard although this may not be true. I've heard that they were told not to contact me. Advertisement READ MORE ON WYNNE EVANS "And so whilst I've had a few emails, a few messages from them since, not really no, I'm not in contact with any of them at all. None of them." Wynne admitted that some of the Strictly judges had reached out to him but insisted the pros are "too scared" of losing their jobs. He continued: "There are some people that did message me, I won't mention their names. "There are some people that could do more, and when I asked, they said they had to check with the own PR first before they could come out and support me. Advertisement Most read in News TV "Some people were really good, you can tell from the blue ticks that have liked my post. I have had some lovely chats with some of the judges. "I got on really well with Katya. Tearful Wynne Evans slams BBC in first TV interview since Strictly scandal "At the time in January I wish I hadn't done it [Strictly]. "But now I'm quite glad because it's done and I don't have to worry. Advertisement "I'm not in touch with her. "I could text her if I wanted but I'm not in touch. "The pros are absolutely scared for themselves [they've not been in touch], Strictly is all they have." While another person rang in and asked if his experience would have been different if he was paired with another pro dancer. Advertisement Wynne replied: "She's a nice person Katya, she's a really really nice person. I'm not gonna say anything negative about Katya. " All I know is you know that particular situation really was horrific to live through and it got to the stage in the end when I asked the BBC if they could help me and I was told no, 'this is a you problem not a Strictly problem'." TRUTH BEHIND APOLOGY VIDEO 6 Wynne revealed what really happened during that awkward moment between him and Katya Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 6 The Welsh star said the version they put out was similar to a 'hostage style video' Credit: Wynne Evans / Instagram Advertisement During a live episode in October, fans were left shocked when they spotted Katya pushing her partner Wynne's hand off her waist. The pair then addressed the awkward moment with an apology video, what Wynne now calls a "hostage style video". During the hour Q&A, Wynne explained what really happened, saying: "I remember after Katya and I had done the hand and I know there's there's a lot of questions about this and I want to apologize for this. It was totally misguided, totally naive and not the right thing for me to do, but I did it." He went on to say: "We'd been watching a video about people analysing body language on Strictly... so we decided that we were going to do this experiment where I put my hand on her waist and she would move it back, right? Advertisement "It was naive and it was stupid but Katya said to me look, let's do it. "I was involved and I could see how it had blown up afterwards. So I went to see the talent booker and I said look something's happened and it's blowing up on on Twitter. "She started laughing and said 'Oh, don't worry about it' and I said 'no, no, it's serious, we need to issue an apology'. "So Katya and I went and we made this apology and the apology was really explanatory. Advertisement "It was saying that we had decided to do this as a body language experiment. It had gone totally wrong and it was naive and it was stupid and we were apologising for it." Wynne then claimed that the Head of Press for Strictly told them to shorten the video and to just say "sorry". Speaking about the apology video that was released, Wynne said: "I describe it as a a hostage style video. It looked terrible It looked awful and it certainly didn't represent what had happened that evening. "So we were forced to put that version out and not the version that I really really wanted to do so that that blew up and of course it put massive stress on me and I have spoken openly about my mental health struggles for the last I don't know since 2016 and I just went into a total meltdown because I thought this was going to be the end of the world for me. Advertisement "My career was going to be lost and that was going to be the end of it, so I went into a total meltdown." A BB spokesperson previously told The Sun: 'For the avoidance of doubt, the video in question was filmed twice and all parties agreed at the time that the second more concise version would be better suited for social media.' CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION The opera singer has also called for an independent investigation, one year on from when he first started the BBC dance show. He said: "What's unfolded since has revealed a bigger problem by far than any one individual a problem at the very heart of the BBC. I am therefore today calling for an independent investigation Investigation into the organisation. Advertisement "I would like the culture secretary of state to take responsibility for this. "Over the past 12 months It's become clear to me that under the leadership of the director-general Tim Davie and chairman Samir Sarr the BBC has fostered a culture where the protection of its own image and senior management takes precedence over fairness Accountability and a duty of care to its employees. "The BBC has chosen to protect itself at all costs even when that means leaving individuals isolated discredited and unsupported. "This has created a real David and Goliath Situation in which ordinary people are left powerless against a system deliberately structured to silence them. Advertisement "The BBC's HR department in particular has shown itself to be unfit for purpose." Wynne finished by telling listeners that he was "let down" by the BBC and reiterated the importance for an independent investigation. He said: "At a time when support is most desperately needed the BBC has chosen to look the other way. "We must remember that the BBC is not a commercial company. It is not accountable to shareholders. It is our National Public Service broadcaster funded by the public. Advertisement "This is not about me anymore and I don't want this to be about me anymore and now that I'm strong now that I'm stronger I can talk about it." He added that he still has a great relationship with GoCompare, the insurance advertisements company and he's still under contract with them following their own investigation. Evans previously said he had never approved of the statement that was issued by the BBC in January in which he apologised for making an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment. At the time, a BBC spokesperson said: "The apology issued on Wynne's behalf by the Strictly Come Dancing Tour PR representative on Saturday January 25 was fully approved by Wynne." Advertisement Evans also said in his post on Tuesday: "Tim Davie publicly promised that the BBC would safeguard people who took part in Strictly. "I thought about that promise while sitting in a psychiatrist's office near the BBC, staring out of the window at the BBC building, fighting to save my own life. That's how close I came to the edge. "I'm not writing this as a victim, as I said I will own my mistakes. I'm writing it because the system is broken. "Strictly is now fundamentally flawed in its duty of care. It's allowed to continue because of ratings, while people's wellbeing is left in tatters." Advertisement In May, he told the Sun that the comment he made on the Strictly Come Dancing tour was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast, but instead was a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. In June, the opera singer announced his return to radio with The Show, a live weekday internet broadcast. DARK DAYS It comes after Wynne told The Sun he wanted to take his own life in his darkest moments. He only found out he'd been fired by the BBC after reading it in The Sun - and days later discovered his BBC pass was deactivated without warning. Advertisement He told us: 'One of the things I was disappointed with the BBC about is I've spoken openly about my mental health, I've made programmes for the BBC about it, done stuff for Mental Health Day. "I've done long interviews for them where I've talked about wanting to kill myself. 'Nobody should use that as an excuse if it's not what they're going through. But I've catalogued my mental health for years and I've been really open about it, so it was really hard and I felt like I was pushed to the real end. 'But I am feeling a lot stronger now.' Advertisement 6 Wynne told listeners that he was 'let down' by the BBC Credit: Rex
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Furious Wynne Evans reveals he's no longer speaking to Strictly's Katya Jones as he hits out at BBC
WYNNE Evans revealed he no longer speaks to his Strictly Come Dancing partner Katya Jones as he hit out at the BBC. The opera singer, 53, competed in the 20th anniversary series of the hit dancing programme with professional dancer Katya. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Wynne Evans has called for an independent investigation following the BBC's report Credit: Rex 6 Wynne Evans said he is no longer in touch with pro dancer Katya Jones Credit: bbc 6 The opera singer said the pros are 'too scared to lose their jobs' to reach out Credit: PA But in May, Wynne announced he had been dropped by the BBC and would no longer present on BBC Radio Wales after apologising for using "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly tour. On Thursday, the tenor opened up on the ordeal on his new Wynne Evans radio show. Replying to a fan who asked if he had been in contact with his ex pro dancer Katya since he was suspended from the tour, Wynne replied: "No, I'm not in contact with any of them. "I think that when I was released from the tour I've heard although this may not be true. I've heard that they were told not to contact me. "And so whilst I've had a few emails, a few messages from them since, not really no, I'm not in contact with any of them at all. None of them." Wynne admitted that some of the Strictly judges had reached out to him but insisted the pros are "too scared" of losing their jobs. He continued: "There are some people that did message me, I won't mention their names. "There are some people that could do more, and when I asked, they said they had to check with the own PR first before they could come out and support me. "Some people were really good, you can tell from the blue ticks that have liked my post. I have had some lovely chats with some of the judges. "I got on really well with Katya. Tearful Wynne Evans slams BBC in first TV interview since Strictly scandal "At the time in January I wish I hadn't done it [Strictly]. "But now I'm quite glad because it's done and I don't have to worry. "I'm not in touch with her. "I could text her if I wanted but I'm not in touch. "The pros are absolutely scared for themselves [they've not been in touch], Strictly is all they have." While another person rang in and asked if his experience would have been different if he was paired with another pro dancer. Wynne replied: "She's a nice person Katya, she's a really really nice person. I'm not gonna say anything negative about Katya. " All I know is you know that particular situation really was horrific to live through and it got to the stage in the end when I asked the BBC if they could help me and I was told no, 'this is a you problem not a Strictly problem'." TRUTH BEHIND APOLOGY VIDEO 6 Wynne revealed what really happened during that awkward moment between him and Katya Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 6 The Welsh star said the version they put out was similar to a 'hostage style video' Credit: Wynne Evans / Instagram During a live episode in October, fans were left shocked when they spotted Katya pushing her partner Wynne's hand off her waist. The pair then addressed the awkward moment with an apology video, what Wynne now calls a "hostage style video". During the hour Q&A, Wynne explained what really happened, saying: "I remember after Katya and I had done the hand and I know there's there's a lot of questions about this and I want to apologize for this. It was totally misguided, totally naive and not the right thing for me to do, but I did it." He went on to say: "We'd been watching a video about people analysing body language on Strictly... so we decided that we were going to do this experiment where I put my hand on her waist and she would move it back, right? "It was naive and it was stupid but Katya said to me look, let's do it. "I was involved and I could see how it had blown up afterwards. So I went to see the talent booker and I said look something's happened and it's blowing up on on Twitter. "She started laughing and said 'Oh, don't worry about it' and I said 'no, no, it's serious, we need to issue an apology'. "So Katya and I went and we made this apology and the apology was really explanatory. "It was saying that we had decided to do this as a body language experiment. It had gone totally wrong and it was naive and it was stupid and we were apologising for it." Wynne then claimed that the Head of Press for Strictly told them to shorten the video and to just say "sorry". Speaking about the apology video that was released, Wynne said: "I describe it as a a hostage style video. It looked terrible It looked awful and it certainly didn't represent what had happened that evening. "So we were forced to put that version out and not the version that I really really wanted to do so that that blew up and of course it put massive stress on me and I have spoken openly about my mental health struggles for the last I don't know since 2016 and I just went into a total meltdown because I thought this was going to be the end of the world for me. "My career was going to be lost and that was going to be the end of it, so I went into a total meltdown." A BB spokesperson previously told The Sun: 'For the avoidance of doubt, the video in question was filmed twice and all parties agreed at the time that the second more concise version would be better suited for social media.' CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION The opera singer has also called for an independent investigation, one year on from when he first started the BBC dance show. He said: "What's unfolded since has revealed a bigger problem by far than any one individual a problem at the very heart of the BBC. I am therefore today calling for an independent investigation Investigation into the organisation. "I would like the culture secretary of state to take responsibility for this. "Over the past 12 months It's become clear to me that under the leadership of the director-general Tim Davie and chairman Samir Sarr the BBC has fostered a culture where the protection of its own image and senior management takes precedence over fairness Accountability and a duty of care to its employees. "The BBC has chosen to protect itself at all costs even when that means leaving individuals isolated discredited and unsupported. "This has created a real David and Goliath Situation in which ordinary people are left powerless against a system deliberately structured to silence them. "The BBC's HR department in particular has shown itself to be unfit for purpose." Wynne finished by telling listeners that he was "let down" by the BBC and reiterated the importance for an independent investigation. He said: "At a time when support is most desperately needed the BBC has chosen to look the other way. "We must remember that the BBC is not a commercial company. It is not accountable to shareholders. It is our National Public Service broadcaster funded by the public. "This is not about me anymore and I don't want this to be about me anymore and now that I'm strong now that I'm stronger I can talk about it." He added that he still has a great relationship with GoCompare, the insurance advertisements company and he's still under contract with them following their own investigation. Evans previously said he had never approved of the statement that was issued by the BBC in January in which he apologised for making an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment. At the time, a BBC spokesperson said: "The apology issued on Wynne's behalf by the Strictly Come Dancing Tour PR representative on Saturday January 25 was fully approved by Wynne." Evans also said in his post on Tuesday: "Tim Davie publicly promised that the BBC would safeguard people who took part in Strictly. "I thought about that promise while sitting in a psychiatrist's office near the BBC, staring out of the window at the BBC building, fighting to save my own life. That's how close I came to the edge. "I'm not writing this as a victim, as I said I will own my mistakes. I'm writing it because the system is broken. "Strictly is now fundamentally flawed in its duty of care. It's allowed to continue because of ratings, while people's wellbeing is left in tatters." In May, he told the Sun that the comment he made on the Strictly Come Dancing tour was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast, but instead was a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. In June, the opera singer announced his return to radio with The Wynne Evans Show, a live weekday internet broadcast. DARK DAYS It comes after Wynne told The Sun he wanted to take his own life in his darkest moments. He only found out he'd been fired by the BBC after reading it in The Sun - and days later discovered his BBC pass was deactivated without warning. He told us: 'One of the things I was disappointed with the BBC about is I've spoken openly about my mental health, I've made programmes for the BBC about it, done stuff for Mental Health Day. "I've done long interviews for them where I've talked about wanting to kill myself. 'Nobody should use that as an excuse if it's not what they're going through. But I've catalogued my mental health for years and I've been really open about it, so it was really hard and I felt like I was pushed to the real end. 'But I am feeling a lot stronger now.'
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Wimbledon coverage cut off just minutes in as furious fans demand 'switch to the game'
BBC's Wimbledon coverage was met with a barrage of complaints from irate tennis fans as the live broadcast of Novak Djokovic's second-round match was disrupted by a technical blunder. BBC viewers were left fuming within minutes of the Wimbledon coverage beginning as they all made the same complaint. Anticipation was running high for the 2025 Championships at the All England Club, with fans eagerly settling in to witness elite tennis stars battle for the coveted trophy. Yet the BBC's transmission faced fierce criticism across social media platforms following a technical blunder during Novak Djokovic's captivating second-round clash with Dan Evans. Frustrated viewers flocked to Twitter to express their annoyance and displeasure over the glitch that disrupted their live viewing pleasure. Tennis fans were left gobsmacked when the feed cut out, displaying instead a vacant studio seat next to a coffee mug, with unaware visitors milling about in the background whilst match commentary continued uninterrupted. One irate spectator vented via Twitter: "Nice coverage of Wimbledon, mid game the camera switches to a man in an orange hat missing all the action. The BBC are a f*****g joke. #Wimbledon2025 #Wimbledon #BBC." A bewildered supporter questioned: "Why are we watching everyone sat on Henman Hill instead of EvansvDjokovic? ? #wimbledon #bbc," the Express reports. Expressing despair, a third viewer moaned: "Cameras down, and the commentators don't even know ffs. The BBC have the audacity to demand people pay a TV licence for this. #Wimbledon2025 #Wimbledon." Sharing similar frustrations, another spectator insisted: "Eh #bbc can you switch the camera to the game and not just the crowd? Wtf #Wimbledon." A fifth viewer moaned: "Why are BBC 1 and 2 showing Henman Hill and not the matches? #Wimbledon. Another exasperated spectator branded it a "Waste of the licence fee!". Whilst Henman Hill was packed with supporters glued to the giant screen, television audiences were left irritated by the absence of live coverage. There was a considerable wait before home viewers could finally witness the thrill of the ongoing action once more. On the court itself, Djokovic displayed his exceptional prowess last Thursday, comfortably dispatching Evans and cruising into Wimbledon's third round. Dominating proceedings with commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 victories, the 38 year old is relentlessly marching towards a historic 25th Grand Slam title. The temperature is set to soar at the competition this weekend which will send punters flocking for refreshments, and the cost has risen along with the mercury. Strawberries and cream washed down with a Pimms are the traditional tennis snacks at the famous venue, and they don't come cheap. A glass of Pimms will set you back £12.25, having cost £11.95 last year. For a long time, the famed strawberries and cream were a steady £2.50 every year, but organisers have added an extra 20p on top of that this year.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Wimbledon coverage cut off as fans fume 'waste of licence fee'
Viewers watching the 2025 Championships at Wimbledon on the BBC were left fuming after the coverage inexplicably cut out during Novak Djokovic's second-round match BBC viewers were up in arms just minutes into the Wimbledon coverage as they issued the same complaint. The excitement of the 2025 Championships at the All England Club was palpable as fans tuned in to watch top tennis talent vie for the prestigious title. However, BBC's broadcast came under fire on social media after coverage of Novak Djokovic's thrilling second-round match against Dan Evans suffered a technical mishap. Disgruntled spectators took to Twitter, voicing their frustration and discontent with the gaffe that interrupted their live viewing experience. Tennis enthusiasts were stunned when the broadcast dropped and instead showed an empty studio chair alongside a coffee cup, with oblivious visitors in the background and the match commentary ongoing. An exasperated viewer blasted through their Tweet: "Nice coverage of Wimbledon, mid game the camera switches to a man in an orange hat missing all the action. The BBC are a f*****g joke. #Wimbledon2025 #Wimbledon #BBC." Another perplexed fan asked: "Why are we watching everyone sat on Henman Hill instead of EvansvDjokovic?? #wimbledon #bbc," reports the Express. In dismay, a third lamented: "Cameras down, and the commentators don't even know ffs. The BBC have the audacity to demand people pay a TV licence for this. #Wimbledon2025 #Wimbledon." Echoing the sentiments, another viewer demanded: "Eh #bbc can you switch the camera to the game and not just the crowd? Wtf #Wimbledon." A fifth lamented: "Why are BBC 1 and 2 showing Henman Hill and not the matches? #Wimbledon. "Would be nice if the BBC could actually show us the match? #wimbledon." Another frustrated viewer declared it a "Waste of the licence fee!". As Henman Hill was filled with fans watching on the big screen, home viewers were vexed by the lack of match feed. There was a delay before those at home could once again experience the excitement of the live action. On court, Djokovic showcased his formidable skill last Thursday, effortlessly defeating Evans and sailing through to Wimbledon's third round. Sweeping the match with 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 victories, the 38-year-old is fiercely advancing towards an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam triumph.
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Wimbledon fans fume 'wasting our licence fee' just minutes into coverage
BBC Wimbledon fans fume 'wasting our licence fee' just minutes into coverage BBC viewers were left fuming just minutes into the coverage of Wimbledon on Thursday Discontent among BBC viewers soared minutes into the Wimbledon broadcast as they shared the same concerns. The action at the All England Club is heating up, with the 2025 Championships serving fans some of the finest tennis players in the world vying for the prestigious title. A hiccup in the BBC's live coverage of Novak Djokovic's second-round clash against Dan Evans stirred up a social media storm, leaving audiences fuming over the service interruption. Calls for the BBC to scrap the TV licence fee erupted across platforms after users expressed their irritation with the glitch during the live transmission. Tennis fans were taken aback when the feed abruptly switched to a scene depicting an unoccupied chair and coffee mug in a studio, with people visible in the backdrop, although the match's audio was still audible. Outraged reactions included one viewer who blasted: "Nice coverage of Wimbledon, mid game the camera switches to a man in an orange hat missing all the action. The BBC are a f*****g joke. #Wimbledon2025 #Wimbledon #BBC." Article continues below The BBC coverage cut away to crowds on Henman Hill (Image: BBC ) Another bewildered audience member asked: "Why are we watching everyone sat on Henman Hill instead of EvansvDjokovic?? #wimbledon #bbc," reports the Express. A frustrated commenter vented: "Cameras down, and the commentators don't even know ffs. The BBC have the audacity to demand people pay a TV licence for this. #Wimbledon2025 #Wimbledon." (sic). Yet another displeased viewer urged: "Eh #bbc can you switch the camera to the game and not just the crowd? Wtf #Wimbledon." (sic). A fifth person expressed their frustration: "Why are BBC 1 and 2 showing Henman Hill and not the matches? #Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic played against Dan Evans at Wimbledon (Image: GETTY ) "Would be nice if the BBC could actually show us the match? #wimbledon." Moreover, a seventh chimed in: "Waste of the licence fee!". In the midst of the live broadcast, yet another camera angle presented fans on Henman Hill watching the game on a big screen, yet the actual match feed was nowhere to be seen. Article continues below For several moments, spectators were unable to view the match until the broadcast finally recommenced. Elsewhere, Djokovic demonstrated his formidable prowess on Thursday, dispatching Evans with ease in straight sets to proceed to Wimbledon's third round. He triumphed with scores of 6-3, 6-2, 6-0, as he carries on his quest for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title at the age of 38.
