Wynne Evans breaks silence on Strictly tour axe saying
Mary Gallagher,
WYNNE Evans has broken his silence after he was axed from the Strictly live tour.
The Go Compare opera singer, 53, is facing backlash after a crude sexual comment about Janette Manrara during the tour.
Janette Manrara and a male dancer on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour.
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Wynne Evans has apologised for 'any pain caused' and 'inappropriate behaviour' after being axed from the Strictly live tourCredit: The Mega Agency
Wynne Evans at BBC Radio Wales.
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Wynne is also taking time out from his BBC Radio Wales showCredit: Twitter
Wynn Evans arriving at a Strictly Come Dancing afterparty.
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Wynne missed his birthday party with his Strictly co-stars yesterdayCredit: Splash
Close-up photo of two people smiling.
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Wynne's brother Mark has spoken out in support of the embattled Strictly starCredit: X
Wynne said this evening: "I've agreed with the BBC that l'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."
According to insiders, the incident followed “repeated warnings about his behaviour” leading show bosses to remove him from the tour.
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Taking to X, his brother Mark, a baritone performer and children’s author, also praised his brother’s character while addressing the controversy.
He said: “As a brother, I want to express my unwavering support for him during this challenging time.”
He continued: “Wynne has a heart of gold and the courage of a lion, paired with a talent that outshines most.
“His charisma and humour have brought joy to countless people.”
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Mark’s statement comes during a difficult period for the family, who suffered a devastating loss earlier this year when Wynne and Mark’s eldest brother, Huw, passed away.
At the time, Wynne shared his heartbreak in an emotional tribute.
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He said: “I’m so sad to say that my gorgeous eldest brother has passed away. My big brother was my hero and my inspiration. Huw, my darling, I will miss you so much and am so glad I got to have you with me all my life.”
Embattled Wynne previously apologised for the incident.
Wynne previously apologised after he was heard using the term "spit roast" to co-star Jamie Borthwick while standing beside Janette.
A spokesman for Janette claimed she hadn't heard the comment.
The BBC has since confirmed that Wynne will be taking time away from his regional radio show while the fallout continues.
CAST DIVIDE
While he has since apologised for the comment, the moment left the stars split between sides – with some wanting to distance themselves from him in the aftermath.
The divide no doubt played a part in bosses making the decision to remove him from the tour completely.
We told today how the opera singer is taking a step back after the BBC felt they had to take action.
A source told The Sun: "Some members of the pro team are not impressed by what has gone on and have made it clear they don't really want to be friends with Wynne.
"They have removed themselves from the main group and have stopped hanging out with him.
"It's all very sad, but people feel they have to protect themselves. "
Others have rallied around him, particularly for his birthday, which he celebrated yesterday.
However the singer missed his birthday party with his Strictly co-stars as he turned 53 on Monday.
It has also been revealed some pro dancers had removed Wynne from their social media and unfollowed him on Instagram.
However, Janette and her husband, fellow pro Aljaz Skorjanec, both still follow him at the time of writing.
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BBC and Strictly Live producers said: "We have made it clear to Wynne we do not tolerate such behaviour on tour."
MISSED BIRTHDAY
The cast reunited last night to celebrate Wynne's birthday, but the star missed the celebrations.
Group photo of Strictly Come Dancing contestants.
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Wynne previously came under fire last year when he was seen 'groping' Katya on telly but they laughed it off as a jokeCredit: BBC
Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec leaving a hotel.
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Janette has been supported by husband AljazCredit: Splash
Two men with luggage outside a hotel.
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He has been dropped from the Strictly live tour
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