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Edinburgh Live
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing's Wynne Evans takes swipe at BBC over apology 'that is not true'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Wynne Evans took a swipe at the BBC on Wednesday's This Morning as he spoke about the Strictly Come Dancing scandal. Just last month, the Welsh opera singer, 53, revealed he had been dropped by the BBC, following an apology saying that he used "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. Talking about the Strictly scandal on Wednesday's This Morning, Wynne said of the video and "inappropriate language" used: "I was talking to Jamie Borthwick, I had this nickname for him, which was 'old' and then the word in question and 'boy'. So I used to call him this because he could contort his legs over his head!" Wynne then claimed that the nickname, which was recorded without his knowledge, was taken and given its "own narrative," spinning into the Strictly scandal, in which the words "old" and "boy" were removed. (Image: ITV) He said: "Which you can absolutely see on the video, it's absolutely crystal clear, and when we've had the volume looked at, you know, the words are there. They're there for everybody to see. "Even though I'm looking at Jamie, they claim that I'm directing this word at Janette [Manrara]. This has totally been taken out of context, absolutely. "The narrative is so wrong on it, in fact, when I saw the narrative in the newspaper, I was just shocked and horrified because instead of a nickname with another word for rotisserie in it… You know, because this guy could get his legs behind his head like a chicken, it's turned into this sexual innuendo. I was mortified, absolutely mortified by it." Wynne explained how he spoke with Janette after the incident was reported in the press: "I spoke with Janette as you know afterwards and A, she didn't hear it and B, there has never been any complaints about me ever… How can somebody take a narrative and change it and you know, everybody just believe it?" Later during the interview, Wynne claimed that the apology, which was released, wasn't approved by him, saying he was concerned it looked like he had validated the story. (Image: BBC) In a statement from the BBC read out by host Ben Shephard, it said: "The apology issued on Wynne's behalf by the Strictly Come Dancing Tour PR representative on Saturday, 25th January was fully approved by Wynne." Wynne responded live on air, claiming, "No, that's not true. I got no email, and it was not fully approved by me at all." Later in the interview, Wynne emotionally admitted that the "relentless" Strictly scandal left him suicidal, and he was supported by his family. He said, "I was at my lowest, I wanted to end my life. I would have if I hadn't of been surrounded by people." Recalling one emotional moment with his girlfriend, whom he got engaged to over the weekend, Wynne said: "I remember saying to my girlfriend: 'I have to kill myself, I have to...'" to which he choked back tears live on air. (Image: Instagram) Talking about how his friends and family have supported him, he said, "I was on the crisis team for a month, and they just looked after me the whole time. "My friends, family, and girlfriend had a rota so they could be with me 24 hours a day, sitting up with me because it was just so relentless." He added: "They've [my family] been utterly brilliant and my girlfriend has been fantastic as well." Host, Cat Deeley, then asked: "How have the BBC been?" Wynne responded, "I haven't heard from them since I got suspended. Personally, I haven't heard from them. I don't know; they've only spoken to my lawyers." This Morning host, Ben, read another statement from the BBC which said in response to Wynne's claims: "We provided comprehensive duty of care for Wynne that included support by wellbeing professionals. "He was also provided with direct access to a designated contact at the BBC who was available to assist him at anytime. Plus he has been offered continued support since his contract with the BBC concluded." Ben then asked, "Were you aware that you had that option?" Wynne responded, "No, I wasn't aware!" Reach PLC has contacted BBC for comment. *If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Wynne Evans' family reaction to Strictly controversy before BBC show axe
The former face of offered insight into his girlfriend and daughter's thoughts on the infamous Strictly scandal. Wynne Evans, most recognisable from the old adverts, has revealed his family's reaction to the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing scandal that has ended in his BBC Wales radio show being cancelled. In a recent interview, he shared his girlfriend and daughter's thoughts to the public controversy, which included allegedly making an inappropriate comment during the Strictly live tour. Wynne maintains that what was alleged to be a "sexual" comment directed towards presenter Janette Manrara in which he used the term "spit roast", was in fact a joke aimed at co-star Jamie Borthwick - who has now been suspended from EastEnders for using a derogatory word to describe disabled people on the Strictly set in Blackpool. In the aftermath of the Wynne's alleged comment to Janette, the BBC 'decided not to renew' the contract for his radio show. In the course of detailing his side of the story, he also unveiled his family's insights on the matter, just days before this axe was announced. Initially, in conversation with The Sun, Wynne divulged his discussion with his daughter about the aftermath of the allegations. He explained: "I said, 'I'm sorry if I brought any embarrassment to you and shame', and she said, 'Dad, you would never bring embarrassment to me'. She's been so... just like straight down the line." Discussing the chat with his girlfriend, Liz Brookes, he recounted: "Yeah, Liz has been the same. "You know, Liz is one of these people who morals are very high, who always holds people to account, and she saw it unfolding, you know." He elaborated on her reaction after he explained his side: "And as soon as I said to her, you know, 'Look, this is what I said', and you can actually see what I said when you watch the video. "You've seen the video. You can actually see it. So, you know, 'Okay, yeah, I understand what you were doing'." It comes after claims that Wynne's friends have compiled a dossier, allegedly containing screenshots and videos, which they argue "prove his innocence" after the celebrity stated his reputation was unfairly left "in tatters". Wynne said that he wasn't referring to Janette at all, which he claims is also known to others. A confidant revealed: "Wynne's team has had the clip sent off to a cyber forensics team, which has come back with a word nobody had previously picked up on; they believe it changes everything." Reports suggest that Wynne was actually heard saying "old spit roast boy" while speaking to his mate and Strictly co-star, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, which his friends argue demonstrates he wasn't alluding to Janette, reported Manchester Evening News. Wynne clarified that his comment was in reference to Jamie executing a dance move that involved raising his legs above his head, likening him to a spit roast chicken. The star's dance partner, Katya Jones, has also supported him through the scandal, after the pair previously caused a stir during the series by playing a joke on audiences, which saw the professional dancer moving Wynne's hand away from her waist. The duo have since claimed the controversial moment was part of a "body language experiment" suggested by Katya. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Edinburgh Live
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly's Wynne Evans shares honest view on experience after controversial incidents
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Opera singer Wynne Evans has hit back at BBC executives who accused him of using "misogynist" language during a Strictly Come Dancing photocall. Wynne, who rose to fame after being cast as the face of the Go Compare TV ads, said the entire experience had been "heartbreaking." Wynne says he now realises that Strictly isn't for everyone, and he's spoken to a number of other competitors who had struggled on Strictly: "I loved the dancing part, and I did do really well but the rest of it wasn't right for me with my personality and with depression. It wasn't the right thing." Wynne's biggest problem related show came after he was accused of using a vulgar sexual term in reference to pro dancer Janette Manrara – triggering a four-month-long controversy which, he says, has resulted in him being placed on a round-the-clock suicide watch by an NHS crisis team. (Image: PA) He told The Sun: "I wouldn't use that word and it's very difficult for the BBC because, historically, and by their own admission they've got it very, very wrong. So now they have to investigate everything, and they have to be seen to investigate everything." It was alleged that, as he stood with Janette and fellow-competitor Jamie Borthwick, Wynne referred to a "spit-roast" – an expression used to describe group sex. The 53-year-old singer maintains that his words were misinterpreted. He explained: "Spit-roast boy was a nickname we all gave Jamie Borthwick because he could contort his legs over his head like a spit-roast chicken." (Image: BBC/Guy Levy) He insists that there was no intended sexual undertone to the conversation, and that the fact that he had specifically said "spit-roast boy" made it clear that he was speaking to James, and not to Janette. However, two weeks after the photo shoot, Wynne began to receive dozens of calls from his agent and BBC executives demanding an explanation for what he had said. He says that his first mistake was to apologise for any misunderstanding – which was seized upon as an admission of guilt. "The press team issued a statement," he said. "When I read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, I was absolutely horrified." (Image: Katya Jones/Instagram) He added: "The apology always makes it look worse. It validates the story." Within 48 hours of the original story running, Wynne was suspended by the BBC and dropped from the Strictly tour. To make matters worse for Wynne, he had been caught on camera sliding his hand around the waist of his professional dance partner, Katya Jones, in a way that made him appear to be a "sex pest." He now says that the move was part of a "body language experiment" initiated by Katya, and after viewers reacted he was instructed to make a video explaining what had happened. Wynne claims that the initial video he made, which explained his actions fully, was dropped by BBC bosses of brewing "too long," but a shorter, simpler explanation made him come across as a "weirdo." A third controversy, which Wynne says was simply a somewhat immature bit of backstage banter that got out of hand, saw him buying a sex toy for his soap star pal Jamie: "Obviously, in the light of everything else, it probably wasn't the most sensible thing to do," he admitted. Wynne says that he feels wronged by BBC bosses, saying: "Personally I don't think I was due an investigation." He says it would be up to BBC director-general Tim Davie whether the corporation were ever to apologise to him. He concedes that in a rapidly-changing world he "may have got it wrong on occasion," but would have been happy to attend any re-education course the BBC asked him to go on. He says he hadn't been given that opportunity and that all he can do now is concentrate on doing his job. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs to talk, call the free Samaritans helpline 24/7 on 116 123. You can also email jo@ or find your local branch online.
Wales Online
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly's Katya Jones sticks by Wynne Evans after scandal for simple reason
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Katya Jones has revealed why she's stuck by Wynne Evans after his recent scandal, confirming they "got on like a house fire" throughout their Strictly experience. The opera singer, 53, known for his role on the Go Compare adverts, has been attempting to clear his name following allegations of inappropriate behaviour during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing. Last year, Wynne was kicked out of the live show after allegedly making a "sexual" comment to Strictly: It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara. According to reports, Wynne was heard referencing the words "spit roast" in a recording. He also left his position at BBC Radio Wales, but pledged to "not go down without a fight". Now, it has been disclosed that his former dance partner has stuck by him for a specific reason. (Image: Eamonn M. McCormack, Getty Images) Katya told the Mail: "During this Strictly experience we got on like a house fire, so of course I check on him, because that's what friends should do." She added: "We are all aware he's going through challenging times and I hope he gets what he deserves." In a statement following his exit from the live show, Wynne said that he'd "agreed with the BBC" that he would take some time away from his radio show and the live tour. He added: "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." It comes after reports that his friends had sent a dossier to The Sun, including videos and screenshots they think will "prove his innocence", after the singer claimed that his reputation had been unjustly left "in tatters". (Image: BBC) He said it had been damaged despite profusely apologising for the comment, which he claimed did not refer to Janette, and that others also knew this was the case. Meanwhile, a friend said that Wynne feels like he's been "thrown under the bus." They claimed: "Wynne's team has had the clip sent off to a cyber forensics team, which has come back with a word nobody had previously picked up on; they believe it changes everything." The singer can apparently be heard saying "old spit roast boy" to Jamie Borthwick, with friends claiming that this proves that he was, in fact, talking to the EastEnders actor. One friend, reports the Express, claims he was actually talking about Jamie doing a dance move with his legs over his head, thus suggesting that he looked like a spit roast chicken, and that it wasn't actually a sexual remark. In addition, Wynne's supporters claimed that Janette had offered support to the singer, with the dancer reportedly telling him to "look after himself" and "take deep breaths".
STV News
29-04-2025
- General
- STV News
Endangered birds return to Skye as crofters help boost population
Endangered birds that were teetering on the brink of extinction are being heard in greater numbers thanks to the efforts of crofters. Corncrakes saw a dramatic fall in their numbers in the 20th century. The Isle of Skye is now one of only a handful of islands where the birds can still be found in Scotland, with their 'crex, crex' call one of the most distinctive sounds on the island. And now, the population has returned to the island for this year's breeding season. The Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership – which also includes RSPB Scotland, NFUS, SCF, crofters, farmers, conservationists and the local community, say they are seeing signs of success, with the number of calling males on Skye in 2024 up on the previous year. Corncrakes rely on tall vegetation for cover and key land management changes made by crofters and farmers on the island have given the elusive brown birds – who tend to be heard but not seen – a much-needed boost. Janette Sutherland, senior consultant and area manager of SAC Consulting in Portree, said: 'It is really encouraging that numbers were up on Skye in 2024, with 27 calling males recorded – an increase on the number in 2023. 'Corncrakes use tall vegetation to provide themselves with cover and there are two key ways that crofters can help them. 'They can delay their mowing of silage or hay until August, when most second broods will have hatched, and they can also use wildlife friendly mowing practices – cutting out from the middle and allowing the corncrakes to reach the edges of the fields without breaking cover of the uncut longer vegetation. 'What crofters and farmers have been doing does definitely seem to be making a difference and this is a great example of how they have come to the aid of an endangered species just when they need our help most. It was rewarding for the crofters and farmers who willingly signed up to do their bit for corncrakes that numbers showed such a big increase.' SAC Consulting Endangered corncrakes have returned to Skye The Corncrake Calling project, led by RSPB Scotland and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, provided funds for the Corncrake Initiative, a scheme which pays crofters and farmers to delay mowing until August when the first brood of chicks will have hatched. Corncrakes head some 6,000 miles on an indirect route to the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa each winter, a journey that can take them up to two months. Those that survive their travels tend to return to Skye and other Scottish sites in April, finding refuge in rougher vegetation along sheltered ditches and walls until meadow grasses begin to grow. Their maximum lifespan is only three years, so a successful breeding season is crucial for the species' long-term survival. Skye crofters and farmers who adapt their working practices to help benefit the environment can be supported via the Corncrakes Initiative and the Scottish Government's Agri Environment Climate Scheme. Janette added: 'The late cutting and the wildlife friendly mowing practices are not what crofters would normally choose to do – cutting from the middle, for example, would go against their instincts and use more fuel. However, what they are doing for the corncrakes on Skye hopefully means a familiar sound of summer on the island can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
