Latest news with #WynneEvans
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Wynne Evans accuses BBC's Strictly Come Dancing of being ‘fundamentally flawed' in its duty of care
WELSH opera singer Wynne Evans has accused the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing of being "fundamentally flawed in its duty of care". The tenor, 53, known for the insurance advertisements, competed in the 20th anniversary series of the hit dancing programme with professional dancer Advertisement 4 Go Compare singer Wynne Evans claims BBC's Strictly is 'fundamentally flawed in its duty of care' after he was 'dropped' by the corporation Credit: PA 4 Opera singer was 'close to the edge' while battling illness and claims BBC 'twisted facts' Credit: Rex 4 He says he was told not to trust anyone in rehearsal room and BBC engaged in 'lies and cover-ups' to protect themselves Credit: Chris Eades In May, The apology came after the Mail On Sunday reported in January he had aimed a sexual joke at one of the other professional dancers, In an Instagram post with a photo of the Strictly professionals, Evans said: "What it Feels Like to See Pictures of Strictly? "I'll be the first to admit I've made mistakes. Not quite the way the Daily Mail would have you believe, but mistakes all the same." Advertisement Read more on strictly Evans accused the BBC of engaging in a series of "lies and cover-ups in order to absolve themselves of any wrongdoing" and said this was the "hardest part" for him. He added: "From my dealings right at the very top with (BBC director-general) Tim Davie, through BBC Wales and the HR department, one feeling has been constant: the only thing they truly care about is protecting themselves and their jobs and Ratings - people come second. "When I first stepped into the rehearsal room at Strictly, I thought it would be a magical experience. And at the start, it was. But the very first thing I was told was: 'Don't trust anyone in this room - not even me.' "That hit me hard. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, and while I may sometimes sail close to the line, there's never malice in what I do. Advertisement Most read in News TV "What I wasn't prepared for was the way people will protect their personal and BBC brands, at any cost." Evans claimed in his post that the HR department "twisted facts, invented files and dates, and created a version of events that simply wasn't true". Wynne Evans reveals heartbreaking conversation he had with his daughter after Strictly sacking shame "Statements were issued in my name that I hadn't even seen, let alone agreed to. My voice was taken away," he said. Evans previously said he had never approved of the statement that was issued by the BBC in January in which he apologised for making an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment. Advertisement At the time, a BBC spokesperson said: "The apology issued on Wynne's behalf by the Strictly Come Dancing Tour PR representative on Saturday January 25 was fully approved by Wynne." Evans also said in his post on Tuesday: "Tim Davie publicly promised that the BBC would safeguard people who took part in Strictly. "I thought about that promise while sitting in a psychiatrist's office near the BBC, staring out of the window at the BBC building, fighting to save my own life. That's how close I came to the edge. "I'm not writing this as a victim, as I said I will own my mistakes. I'm writing it because the system is broken. Advertisement "Strictly is now fundamentally flawed in its duty of care. It's allowed to continue because of ratings, while people's wellbeing is left in tatters." The BBC published a review in 2024 that looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against former Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. The corporation upheld some but not all of the complaints made and introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving welfare. This included the introduction of a chaperone who is present "at all times" during training room rehearsals. Advertisement Evans performed in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera and won 2023's Celebrity MasterChef. In May, he told the Sun that the comment he made on the Strictly Come Dancing tour was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast, but instead was a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. In June, the opera singer announced his return to radio with The The BBC declined to comment on Evans' social media post. Advertisement The Sun has contacted the BBC for comment. 4 Evans said he was dropped by the BBC after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' Credit: Mark Ferguson
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Wynne Evans accuses BBC's Strictly Come Dancing of being ‘fundamentally flawed' in its duty of care
WELSH opera singer Wynne Evans has accused the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing of being "fundamentally flawed in its duty of care". The tenor, 53, known for the insurance advertisements, competed in the 20th anniversary series of the hit dancing programme with professional dancer Katya Jones. Advertisement 4 Go Compare singer Wynne Evans claims BBC's Strictly is 'fundamentally flawed in its duty of care' after he was 'dropped' by the corporation Credit: PA 4 Opera singer was 'close to the edge' while battling illness and claims BBC 'twisted facts' Credit: Rex 4 He says he was told not to trust anyone in rehearsal room and BBC engaged in 'lies and cover-ups' to protect themselves Credit: Chris Eades In May, Evans announced he had been dropped by the BBC and would no longer present on BBC Radio Wales after apologising for using "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly tour. The apology came after the Mail On Sunday reported in January he had aimed a sexual joke at one of the other professional dancers, Janette Manrara. In an Instagram post with a photo of the Strictly professionals, Evans said: "What it Feels Like to See Pictures of Strictly? "I'll be the first to admit I've made mistakes. Not quite the way the Daily Mail would have you believe, but mistakes all the same." Advertisement Evans accused the BBC of engaging in a series of "lies and cover-ups in order to absolve themselves of any wrongdoing" and said this was the "hardest part" for him. He added: "From my dealings right at the very top with (BBC director-general) Tim Davie, through BBC Wales and the HR department, one feeling has been constant: the only thing they truly care about is protecting themselves and their jobs and Ratings - people come second. "When I first stepped into the rehearsal room at Strictly, I thought it would be a magical experience. And at the start, it was. But the very first thing I was told was: 'Don't trust anyone in this room - not even me.' "That hit me hard. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, and while I may sometimes sail close to the line, there's never malice in what I do. Advertisement "What I wasn't prepared for was the way people will protect their personal and BBC brands, at any cost." Evans claimed in his post that the HR department "twisted facts, invented files and dates, and created a version of events that simply wasn't true". Wynne Evans reveals heartbreaking conversation he had with his daughter after Strictly sacking shame "Statements were issued in my name that I hadn't even seen, let alone agreed to. My voice was taken away," he said. Evans previously said he had never approved of the statement that was issued by the BBC in January in which he apologised for making an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment. Advertisement At the time, a BBC spokesperson said: "The apology issued on Wynne's behalf by the Strictly Come Dancing Tour PR representative on Saturday January 25 was fully approved by Wynne." Evans also said in his post on Tuesday: "Tim Davie publicly promised that the BBC would safeguard people who took part in Strictly. "I thought about that promise while sitting in a psychiatrist's office near the BBC, staring out of the window at the BBC building, fighting to save my own life. That's how close I came to the edge. "I'm not writing this as a victim, as I said I will own my mistakes. I'm writing it because the system is broken. Advertisement "Strictly is now fundamentally flawed in its duty of care. It's allowed to continue because of ratings, while people's wellbeing is left in tatters." The BBC published a review in 2024 that looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against former Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. The corporation upheld some but not all of the complaints made and introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving welfare. This included the introduction of a chaperone who is present "at all times" during training room rehearsals. Advertisement Evans performed in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera and won 2023's Celebrity MasterChef. In May, he told the Sun that the comment he made on the Strictly Come Dancing tour was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast, but instead was a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. In June, the opera singer announced his return to radio with The Wynne Evans Show, a live weekday internet broadcast. The BBC declined to comment on Evans' social media post. Advertisement The Sun has contacted the BBC for comment.
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wynne Evans recalls the moment he 'fought to save his own life' near BBC building
Wynne Evans has opened up on how the Strictly Come Dancing scandal affected him in a candid post as he calls the system 'broken' and takes aim at BBC bosses Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has candidly revealed how "close to the edge" he came following the Strictly scandal. The former Go Compare star, 53, has accused the BBC 's Strictly Come Dancing of being 'fundamentally flawed in its duty of care'. His comments come almost a year after his appearance on the BBC dance competition. As part of the 20th series, Evans partnered professional dancer Katya Jones. However, in May, Evans announced he had been dropped by the BBC and would no longer present on BBC Radio Wales after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour. And he revealed his thoughts after the turmoil saw him chat to a psychiatrist. In his post on Tuesday, the tenor said: 'Tim Davie publicly promised that the BBC would safeguard people who took part in Strictly. 'I thought about that promise while sitting in a psychiatrist's office near the BBC, staring out of the window at the BBC building, fighting to save my own life. That's how close I came to the edge." He went on: "I'm not writing this as a victim, as I said I will own my mistakes. I'm writing it because the system is broken. Strictly is now fundamentally flawed in its duty of care. It's allowed to continue because of ratings, while people's wellbeing is left in tatters.' Evans also accused the BBC of engaging in a series of 'lies and cover‑ups in order to absolve themselves of any wrongdoing' and said this was the 'hardest part' for him. He added: 'From my dealings right at the very top with (BBC director-general) Tim Davie, through BBC Wales and the HR department, one feeling has been constant: the only thing they truly care about is protecting themselves and their jobs and Ratings – people come second. 'When I first stepped into the rehearsal room at Strictly, I thought it would be a magical experience. And at the start, it was. But the very first thing I was told was: 'Don't trust anyone in this room — not even me.' 'That hit me hard. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, and while I may sometimes sail close to the line, there's never malice in what I do. What I wasn't prepared for was the way people will protect their personal and BBC brands, at any cost.' Elsewhere in his post, Evans claimed in the HR department had 'twisted facts, invented files and dates, and created a version of events that simply wasn't true'. He said: "Statements were issued in my name that I hadn't even seen, let alone agreed to. My voice was taken away." He had previously shared an apology after the Mail On Sunday reported in January he had aimed a sexual joke at one of the other professional dancers, Janette Manrara. In May, he told the Sun that the comment made on the show's tour was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast. He said it was actually a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. The BBC declined to comment on Evans' social media post.
Evening Standard
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Two ‘incredible' new professional dancers join Strictly Come Dancing cast
The news comes after the series faced a string of incidents this year, including Welsh tenor and former BBC Radio Wales presenter, Wynne Evans, being dropped by the broadcaster after he made an apology saying that he used 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Wynne Evans jokes about the 'dark side' in latest post as he plugs new radio show after leaving the BBC following Strictly controversy
Wynne Evans joked about leaving the 'dark side' in his latest post plugging his new radio show on Thursday. The Strictly contestant and opera singer's career has been left struggling in the last six months after he made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January. He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones, who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show. After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show. Wynne has now launched a new daily radio show called The Wynne Evans Show, broadcasting live every weekday from 9am to 12pm on his website, following his departure from BBC Radio Wales. He was promoting on his Instagram Story on Thursday as he shared an image of this show graphics along with the slogan above which read: 'Even he's left the dark side.' 'This show is for my community – The Wynners – who've supported me through thick and thin,' Wynne previously said. 'It's a space where we can come together every morning, share a laugh, play the music we love, and just be ourselves.' It comes after last week Wynne confirmed a brand new business venture amid fears he's split from his new fiancée Liz Brookes. He took to Instagram to share the news that he has joined up with a restaurant in his hometown. The Welsh House Carmarthen shared a video of Wynne to their Instagram confirming that the former Strictly Come Dancing star is joining as a partner in the business. In the clip, Wynne confirmed the venue would be renamed The Welsh House by Wynne and will see him cook 'MasterChef' style dishes. After his BBC Wales radio show was cut, Wynne also confirmed he will be hosting a brand new programme from the restaurant and bar. Proudly showing off his hometown, he revealed: 'One thing that is changing is The Welsh House, it's going to become The Welsh House by Wynne! 'I promise you it will have MasterChef dishes on the menu, it's going to have a warm welcome and I want you to come and see me, OK? The Strictly contestant and opera singer's career has been left struggling in the last six months after he made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January (seen with partner Katya Jones) 'It's going to be the home of the radio show as well, so get in touch with us, make your bookings and I'll see you soon - I better get cooking!' In a caption, The Welsh House added: 'We're thrilled to welcome Wynne Evans, iconic Welsh opera singer, presenter, and legend as a new partner in our Carmarthen family! 'A proud local and passionate champion of Welsh food, drink, and culture, Wynne brings unmatched energy and love for the town to help us create something truly special. Big things are coming… The Welsh House by Wynne.' The Sun claimed Wynne is opening the restaurant to 'capitalise' on his 2023 Celebrity MasterChef win and to 'distract' himself amid reports of his separation from Liz. 'He's opening a restaurant focusing on Welsh food to distract from the Liz separation,' a source told the publication. 'He paid the Welsh House to take over their existing space.' 'He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently,' they added. It is not Wynne's latest side hustle as he also recently started work as an Airbnb host, leasing out a property in Llansteffan - eight miles away from his hometown. MailOnline contacted Wynne's representatives for comment. In recent weeks, Wynne sparked fears of a split from his new fiancée Liz after deleting his engagement post from Instagram and unfollowing her. MailOnline also revealed Liz no longer follows Wynne, who only proposed to the events company boss last month. He got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Morocco and documented the gesture on Instagram, posting snaps of him proposing and a close-up of Liz's ring. He wrote: 'Big news… I got engaged! 'This weekend in Morocco, somewhere between the couscous, the camels, and me limping around the souks like a man with no spatial awareness, I proposed to Liz — and she said yes! (No take-backs, I've checked.) 'She's clever, she's kind, she's got excellent taste in men. 'Absolutely no idea how I pulled that off, but here we are! Feeling very lucky, very happy, and just a tiny bit smug.' However, the picture has now mysteriously disappeared from his account, as have any mentions of his fiancée. Wynne was previously married to wife seven years, Tanwen - the mother of his two kids - but they split in 2016. Wynne and Liz then met in 2024 shortly before his stint on the BBC1 dancing show, and Liz was often sat in the audience during the live shows. After his BBC Wales show was cut, Wynne announced that he would be launching a new radio show - which he has now confirmed he will record from The Welsh House. In May, he wrote on Instagram: 'The Wynne Evans Show is coming back, live every day from 9am - 12pm on a new app, on Alexa and Google (we don't have to say 'smart speaker' anymore!) and at 'This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever. 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.' Wynne's show wasn't renewed after it emerged he used sexual innuendo during the Strictly Live Tour and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones, who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show. After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show. Then, it was revealed that his travelogue series with Joanna Page was cancelled after just one series. The programme originally aired in February and March of this year and was placed on ice when Wynne was dropped from the Strictly tour before returning to screens. An insider told The Sun: 'Once the first series was slapped on ice, there was always a huge question mark hanging over the prospect of a second outing. 'Only now has the BBC publicly confirmed it won't be returning. 'It means that Wynne has no TV show or radio show with the Beeb, and effectively marks the end of their relationship.'
