Katya Jones sends clear message after Wynne Evans ‘sexual jibe’ scandal as BBC Strictly star breaks silence amid saga
Katya Jones appears to have thrown her support behind Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans after he apologised for making an “inappropriate and unacceptable” sexual remark about presenter Janette Manrara during the show’s live tour launch.
The 52-year-old Welsh opera singer, known for his Go Compare adverts, made the crude comment during a photocall at Birmingham Arena on January 16.
“My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise,” Evans said in a statement.
The incident has plunged the BBC into fresh controversy, coming just months after Evans was embroiled in a “hand incident” row during the main series.
Evans, who competed on the BBC One programme with Jones last year, is currently touring with the live show but missed Saturday’s performance in Glasgow due to an ankle injury.
During the photocall, Evans was recorded making a lewd comment suggesting a three-way sexual act involving Manrara, using the demeaning term “spit roast”.
In the hours after Evans apologised, Jones appeared to support the opera singer as she returned to social media to share an image alongside her dance partner as well as fellow Strictly stars Tasha Ghouri and Jamie Borthwick.
The image, originally shared by Ghouri, was reposted by Jones with the supportive message: “Tour fam,” followed by a love heart emoji.
The latest incident involving Evans occurred as the cast gathered for group photos, with Evans first singing “Go Compare” before warning Manrara: “Not too close to Jamie!”
He then made the offensive remark as Manrara took her place between him and EastEnders actor Borthwick, 30.
While Manrara’s reaction was obscured by other Strictly stars, Borthwick was seen wincing at the comment as Evans sniggered to himself.
The Mail on Sunday captured the incident on video and audio from 20 yards away during the official tour launch.
Manrara’s spokeswoman later said the presenter had been “unaware of this comment by Wynne”.
A spokesperson for the Strictly live tour and BBC Studios said: “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,” the spokesperson added.
The PA news agency understands Evans was given a warning over the remark by tour producers.
The incident has brought fresh embarrassment to the BBC, which has been dealing with a string of recent scandals.
The corporation had already introduced new welfare measures for Strictly last July, including chaperones in all rehearsal rooms and additional training for professional dancers.
These measures were implemented following several accusations of bullying on the show and complaints from contestants.
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This is not Evans’ first controversy during his time on Strictly Come Dancing.
In October, he faced criticism after viewers spotted his dance partner Jones forcibly removing his hand as it strayed across her waist during a backstage moment.
When Evans attempted to give Jones a high-five afterwards, she appeared to roll her eyes and turn away.
The pair later defended the incidents as “inside jokes” during an appearance on It Takes Two.
“I can’t bear sitting here watching this man being portrayed as someone he’s not,” Jones said at the time. “It was a joke and even the idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is total nonsense.”
Evans also sparked controversy when he reportedly made an inappropriate joke about his double chin to a make-up artist during the main series.