Strictly Star Wynne Evans Caught Making Inappropriate Sexual Comment, BBC Faces Another Scandal.
The BBC has found itself embroiled in yet another controversy after Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans was filmed making a deeply inappropriate sexual comment about one of the show’s female presenters. The tenor, who is also known for his role in the Go Compare adverts and as a BBC radio host, was recorded suggesting a crude three-way sex scenario involving presenter Janette Manrara, using the degrading term "spit roast."
The comment, made during a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, quickly garnered widespread condemnation. A BBC spokesperson issued a stern rebuke, stating: "We will not tolerate such behaviour."
This latest incident adds to the BBC’s growing list of scandals, which includes accusations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour within the Strictly cast. Evans’s crass comment has put the BBC’s flagship show under even more scrutiny as it seeks to recover from previous controversies.
The incident took place at the Birmingham Arena during the official launch of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing live tour. Evans was posing for photographs with Manrara, 41, who is hosting the tour, and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, 30. While Manrara’s reaction to the comment is unclear—partly obscured by other Strictly stars—Borthwick can be seen visibly wincing, while Evans laughs to himself.
Following the incident, Evans cancelled his performance in Glasgow, citing an ankle injury. However, he later told The Mail on Sunday: "My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise."
A spokesperson for BBC Studios and the Strictly Live tour producers confirmed they were unaware of the remark at the time and had received no complaints. The statement went on to clarify: "We have made it very clear to Wynne that we do not tolerate such behaviour on the tour."
The offensive remark was caught on video and audio by a reporter from The Mail on Sunday at the Birmingham launch event, heightening the embarrassment for the BBC following a series of scandals involving its high-profile stars.
Among the most serious incidents was the conviction of news anchor Huw Edwards for accessing indecent images of children, some as young as seven. Additionally, MasterChef host Gregg Wallace was forced to step down after accusations of sexually inappropriate behaviour. Meanwhile, Strictly itself has faced ongoing scrutiny, from bullying complaints to reports of a toxic behind-the-scenes culture.
In the footage from the Birmingham event, Evans, who is also a presenter on BBC Radio Wales, stands in a line-up of Strictly stars when Manrara approaches. Evans, with a grin, warns her: "Not too close to Jamie!" He then makes a suggestive face at Borthwick as Manrara moves between them, before making his inappropriate comment about her. Seconds later, her husband, dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, is heard asking her: "Darling, are you OK?" Manrara responds with a curt "Yep."
Manrara’s spokeswoman later confirmed that the host had been unaware of Evans's comment, which was clearly audible to the reporter filming from 20 yards away.
Evans, who appeared on Strictly last year, won the public’s affection with his enthusiasm and determination to learn dance. However, his behaviour has caused multiple controversies. In one instance during the series, Evans was accused of "groping" his dance partner Katya Jones, though the pair dismissed the incident as a misunderstood joke.
Two weeks later, Evans made another crass comment, allegedly telling a make-up artist that the folds of his double chin resembled a vagina. He defended the comment, claiming it was meant to be self-deprecating and had not caused offence, though it is unclear whether a formal complaint was lodged.
Evans also faced backlash after a backstage incident with Jones, where she was seen visibly removing his hand from her waist. Evans attempted to downplay the situation, calling it a "very silly inside joke," but the moment sparked further criticism.
In a recent interview with The One Show, Evans spoke about the "banter" on tour, mentioning fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood, who had criticised his dancing. "He gave me a two yesterday, so I was absolutely gutted, just because I was a bit rude about his album," Evans said, attempting to brush off the controversy as part of the fun.
Evans, who has been open about his struggles with clinical depression, went through a difficult period following his divorce from his wife of 17 years, Tanwen, in 2016. Since then, he has lost seven stone, largely thanks to his relationship with events manager and fitness enthusiast Liz Brookes, aged 50.
Despite the string of controversies, Evans remains a prominent figure within the BBC, appearing in various projects, including the 2023 edition of Celebrity MasterChef and his upcoming BBC1 travel show All At Sea.
