24-05-2025
Wynne Evans breaks silence on 'spit roast' comment as he reveals 'heartbreak' over scandals that left his career in tatters - but claims he was 'forced' to apologise
Strictly star Wynne Evans has broken his silence on his controversial 'spit roast' comment- claiming he was forced to apologise.
The opera singer, 53, - known for the Go Compare ads - denied it was a sexual jibe about a female presenter as he lifted the lid on the incident in an explosive new interview.
In January, Wynne was caught on camera seemingly suggesting a three-way sex session with presenter Janette Manrara.
The comment came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour and swiftly earned a rebuke from BBC bosses who told him: 'We will not tolerate such behaviour.'
However, Wynne has insisted he used the term 'spit roast' as a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick.
He told The Sun: 'It's been heartbreaking. 'Spit-roast boy' was a nickname we all gave [fellow contestant] Jamie Borthwick because he could contort his legs over his head like a spit-roast chicken.
'I would be the first to apologise if I had used it in the double meaning of that word.
'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.'
A statement was released on his behalf after the incident, which read: 'My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise.'
Wynne was suspended from the show as a result of the comment - and has now said he was on 24/7 suicide watch by an crisis team as a result.
It was not the first time Evans has threatened the reputation of the BBC's biggest show as it attempts to recover from a string of scandals.
During last year's televised shows, the 52-year-old was accused of 'groping' his dance partner Katya Jones, 35, although the pair dismissed it as a joke that had been misunderstood.
