Wynne Evans dropped by BBC after ‘inappropriate language’ on Strictly tour

By Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

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 Go.Compare insurance advertisements, will no longer be a BBC Radio Wales presenter, he announced 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.”

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.

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.

“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”.

“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”.

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.

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.”

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.