The Strictly Come Dancing live tour cast have been spotted for the first time amid the reports that Wynne Evans has been axed from the shows, following an ‘inappropriate’ comment
The Strictly Come Dancing live tour cast have been seen for the first time amid the reports that Wynne Evans has been axed from the tour. The Strictly celebs were seen looking in high spirits as they arrived in Liverpool for their latest tour stop, just hours after news broke that Wynne, 53, has been cut from the BBC live tour.
The reports of the Welsh star’s axing comes after a video surfaced of him making an offensive sexual comment towards a co-star at the tour’s Birmingham launch. Despite apologising for his remark, Wynne is reportedly set to be removed.
The video in question captured Wynne making an inappropriate sexual comment to Janette Manrara, the tour’s host, as she approached the group. He sang out: “Go Compare,” before adding: “Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick].” He then used the hugely demeaning term “spit roast” in reference to a lewd sexual act. Wynne has since apologised for this behaviour, saying: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise”, reports the Mirror.
Yesterday Wynne was spotted with some of the tour cast, including his dance partner Katya Jones, in Liverpool after having to withdraw from the Glasgow shows due to an ankle injury.
A source told The Sun of Wynne’s axing: “He’s had repeated warnings about his behaviour and told to rein it in. He’s not been taking it in, in this day and age the BBC have to be seen taking action and safegaurad everyone. He’s had a tough time with the death of his brother and people should give him some slack, he is going to take this time off to do some self reflection.”
“He has a lot of support from a lot of the backstage dancers. It’s been a really sad ending to what has been a really fun tour.” The publication also reports that BBC Studios will be releasing a statement later today.
Despite Wynne’s apology, it seems it wasn’t enough to salvage his position. “As soon as they were alerted to the remarks, tour producers called a meeting with Wynne,” an insider previously told the publication. “He was very apologetic and fully agreed that what he said was inappropriate and unacceptable. He was given a warning and told in no uncertain terms that that kind of language is not tolerated.”
The source claimed Wynne was “visibly upset” and “full of remorse” when backstage in Glasgow. They added that he enjoys making people laugh but “on this occasion he just didn’t think and overstepped the mark”.
After the tour incident, the BBC announced they had already had a word with Wynne about his conduct. A representative for the Strictly Live Tour and BBC Studios commented: “We were not previously aware of the remark and did not receive any complaints. We have made it very clear to Wynne that we do not tolerate such behaviour on the tour.”
He’s also currently on a break from his radio gig. BBC Wales issued a statement saying: “Wynne is taking some time off from his show on Radio Wales. Robin Morgan will be presenting in his place.”