Wynne Evans’ representatives have fired back at claims he ‘snubbed’ his Strictly Come Dancing co-star, after his exit from the live tour.
The opera singer, known for starring in the GoCompare ads, was axed from the live tour after he was caught on camera during a photo call with other members of the cast making an ‘inappropriate comment’.
He was appearing to joke about having a threesome – or ‘spit roast’ – with Strictly presenter Janette Manrara.
It was unclear whether she heard the comment, and it seemed Evans, 53, had been talking to EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, who apparently ‘winced’ at the comment.
He was later told by BBC bosses that such behaviour would not be tolerated and issued an apology ‘for the pain my inappropriate action caused’.
Evans also said he would be taking a break from the public eye for ‘self-reflection’ and to ‘prioritise my wellbeing’.
He has since remained out of the spotlight, though recent reports suggest he is ‘going to a tribunal with the BBC and will fight with every breath in his body’.
Other Strictly stars have not spoken out about the incident, and it had been claimed that Evans had ‘snubbed’ Jamie by unfollowing him on social media.
However, the situation has been clarified, with Evans’ reps saying: ‘When Wynne left the tour he unfollowed people who were posting about it purely to protect his mental health.
‘Jamie was one of those people. There was nothing more to it than that.’
It had earlier been said that Evans’ ‘spit roast’ comment was not aimed at Janette, and that he feels that was known by others present at the photo call.
A source told The Sun: ‘He is heartbroken by how this all played out and is upset that no one has spoken out to defend him publicly.
‘He knows the language was unacceptable but, ultimately, the meaning behind what he said is not out there.
‘It was an “in” joke. It didn’t offend anyone and no one complained. Wynne feels badly let down by the whole process and some of his co-stars who he was incredibly close to.’
One source added that Evans feels like his sacking was ‘a knee-jerk reaction’ to public commentary about the comment, and that he thinks he’s been ‘thrown under the bus’.
Though she has not yet publicly commented on the situation, it was claimed Evans’ co-stars were ‘rallying around him’ and Manrara had ‘nothing but affection’ for him.
Following the allegations, Evans wrote on Instagram: ‘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 action 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.’
Meanwhile, his former dance partner Katya Jones has continued to share her support for him, and after his axe from the tour, shared a clip of him on stage, writing: ‘Really missed this tonight.’
Evans’ reps also previously told Metro: ‘Wynne was not sacked from the Strictly tour: he was unable to continue for health reasons.’ They declined to comment on other claims.
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