TV union 'raised complaints with BBC' over Wynne Evans being in Strictly line-up

The unscripted branch of broadcasting union Bectu, claim they “previously raised concerns with the BBC" about Wynne Evans being in the Strictly line-up" in the latest development

BBC bosses received complaints about Wynne Evans taking part on Strictly because of his behaviour, it’s claimed.

The unscripted branch of broadcasting union Bectu, claim they “previously raised concerns with the BBC about Evans’ inclusion in the Strictly line-up, after members’ complaints about his behaviour.”

If confirmed, the development piles even more pressure on the BBC after an already tumultuous year dealing with the fallout from the Giovanni Pernice bullying row. The BBC said: "Whilst we don't comment on individuals, we have processes in place should anything be raised with us."

While on the show, the Mirror revealed Evans made a vulgar ‘joke’ comparing the folds of his chin to a vagina, while in the make-up room. And he was later axed from the Strictly Live tour after being caught on film using the word “spit-roast” during a photocall.

The claims about Evans were made on Friday afternoon on the Bectu unscripted branch’s official social media account. Bectu - the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union - supports staff and freelancers working in the media and entertainment industry. In the post, the branch added: “Is inappropriate behaviour only a problem when it’s caught on camera.”

The BBC were already planning to speak to Evans at the beginning of next week about the spitroast comment, which was directed towards dancer and presenter Janette Manrara, 41. A source said: “The BBC very much want to pull up the floorboards and have a good look around, and see if there is anything to answer about beyond the spitroast comment. They are planning to sit Wynne down and have a frank conversation to him about his conduct.

“The meeting is currently scheduled for the start of next week but they are well aware that Wynne is really struggling with everything, and his welfare comes first, so will give him as much time as he needs.” The same source said that Evans was in a “bad way” in the aftermath of him having to step down from the tour. He is desperately worried about losing his career.

The BBC is under pressure to shelve his new travelogue, Wynne & Joanna: All At Sea, with Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page. He has also stepped back from his BBC Wales radio show, and risks being dumped as the face of Go Compare. Friends say they are rallying around the star as they insisted he doesn’t deserve such a ferocious backlash.

A pal said this week: “At the end of the day, he has been a bit of an oaf and made a stupid mistake but does he deserve such hatred? Yes, using the term spit-roast was absolutely wrong, and he realises this. His problem is that he is a joker and he continually wants to play to the crowd.”

BBC bosses had initially let Evans off with a final warning and hoped that would be the end of the matter. But they caved in as anger grew by axing him from the live dates.

Apologising for his behaviour, the opera singer 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. 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 support they have given me.”

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