Wynne Evans’ Strictly Come Dancing co-stars ‘concerned for his mental health’ amid ‘sexual jibe’ scandal
Wynne Evans has taken leave from his BBC Wales radio show following backlash over an inappropriate sexual comment made about Strictly presenter Janette Manrara – with his fellow Strictly stars supporting him.
The opera singer and Strictly tour performer, known for his Go Compare adverts, was replaced by comedian Robin Morgan on his radio programme on Monday.
The break comes after Evans received a final warning from Strictly tour bosses for making a crude remark during a photocall to launch the live tour.
Strictly co-stars have rallied around Evans on his 53rd birthday amid concerns for his mental health.
Professional dancer Katya Jones showed her support by reposting a clip of their dance performance on Instagram.
Fellow dancer Jowita Przystał shared a birthday tribute, posting footage of the show’s professionals singing Stevie Wonder’s birthday song to Evans.
During Sunday’s performance at Glasgow’s Hydro Arena, Evans told the audience he had “not had the best day.”
Evans was recorded suggesting a three-way sexual encounter with presenter Manrara, using a demeaning term during the tour’s photocall.
Ahead of The Mail on Sunday revealing the footage, Evans pulled out of Saturday’s Glasgow show citing an ankle injury and was summoned by tour bosses.
“My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise,” Evans said in response to the incident.
A spokesman for BBC Studios and the Strictly tour stated they had made it “very clear to Wynne that we do not tolerate such behaviour on the tour.”
An insider told MailOnline that Evans’ break was prompted by multiple factors, including the controversy surrounding his comment.
The opera star is also mourning the recent death of his older brother Huw earlier this month.
The physical demands of the nationwide tour have added to his challenges, with Evans performing while simultaneously hosting his radio show from regional studios.
“Wynne is being supported by his co-stars, they’re making a big push to ensure he’s ok as they’re worried about his mental health,” the insider said.
Dr Charlotte Proudman, founder of the Right to Equality, criticised the decision to welcome Evans back to the tour.
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“Welcoming Wynne Evans back into the workplace alongside the woman he objectified suggests that sexualised comments about women carry no real consequences, leaving women feeling unsafe and unprotected,” she told the Mail.
She added that the situation raises “serious questions” about the BBC, suggesting “a toxic culture where women are expected to endure sexist humiliating behaviour, rather than being supported and safeguarded.”