BBC Strictly's Wynne Evans embroiled in further bombshell after fresh claims
by Katy Hallam, https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/authors/katy-hallam/, Tom Bryant · Birmingham LiveBBC chiefs are facing a backlash over Wynne Evans' participation in Strictly Come Dancing amid allegations of misconduct. The unscripted division of the broadcasting union Bectu has reportedly "previously raised concerns with the BBC about Evans' inclusion in the Strictly line-up, after members' complaints about his behaviour."
This controversy adds to the strain on the broadcaster, which is still grappling with the repercussions of the Giovanni Pernice bullying scandal. In response to the situation, the BBC stated: "Whilst we don't comment on individuals, we have processes in place should anything be raised with us."
During his time on the show, the Mirror disclosed that Evans made an offensive 'joke' likening his chin's creases to female genitalia while in the makeup room. He was also removed from the Strictly Live tour following the emergence of footage showing him uttering the term "spit-roast" at a photo event.
Read more Strictly Come Dancing's Wynne Evans facing 'two more claims of inappropriate language'
The allegations against Evans surfaced on Friday afternoon via the official social media account of Bectu's unscripted branch. Bectu, which stands for the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union, represents workers and freelancers in the media and entertainment sectors, reports the Mirror.
The branch further commented in their post: "Is inappropriate behaviour only a problem when it's caught on camera."
The Mirror reports that the BBC had already scheduled a meeting with Evans next week to discuss the 'spitroast' comment, which was aimed at dancer and presenter Janette Manrara, 41. An insider revealed: "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."
Wynne has apolgised and taken a break from his BBC Wales radio show. Friends are rallying around the star, insisting he doesn't deserve such a severe backlash. A friend remarked 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."
Following initial reluctance, BBC chiefs issued Evans with a final warning, hoping the situation would be resolved. However, as public discontent escalated, they felt compelled to remove him from the live dates. In his apology, the opera singer stated: "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. ".