Wynne Evans axed by BBC following Strictly Come Dancing tour scandal as he shares emotional statement: ‘Breaks my heart’
Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has confirmed he has been axed by the BBC following a four-month investigation into his controversial ‘spit roast’ comment made during the show’s media photocall.
The opera singer and Go Compare actor announced the decision in an emotional statement to fans, revealing the corporation had decided not to renew his one-year rolling contract for his radio programme.
“It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won’t be returning to my radio show. I’m gutted,” Evans told his followers, whom he affectionately calls “Wynners”.
Evans was informed of the BBC’s decision by email on Thursday, according to reports.
Evans described the mental health battles he has faced following the scandal, telling The Sun on Sunday about his struggles with depression during his Strictly experience.
“I loved the dancing part, and I did do really well but the rest of it wasn’t right for me with my personality and with depression. It wasn’t the right thing,” he said.
The BBC launched its investigation after Evans was dropped from the Strictly tour for using the word ‘spitroast’ at the official media photocall in January.
The corporation insisted he had brought the organisation into disrepute.
When asked if he had been made a scapegoat following previous BBC controversies, Evans said: “I wouldn’t use that word and it’s very difficult for the BBC because, historically, and by their own admission they’ve got it very, very wrong.”
Evans has defended his controversial comment, denying it carried sexual connotations and insisting it referenced fellow Strictly contestant Jamie Borthwick’s physical abilities.
“‘Spit-roast boy’ was a nickname we all gave Jamie Borthwick because he could contort his legs over his head like a spit-roast chicken,” Evans explained to The Sun.
He maintained the comment was misinterpreted, saying: “I would be the first to apologise if I had used it in the double meaning of that word.
But it absolutely wasn’t meant sexually – and the fact I used ‘boy’, all right it’s nuanced, but it shows I was talking to Jamie, NOT Janette.”
The comment was made during a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour and was caught on camera, swiftly earning a rebuke from BBC bosses.
Evans announced he will launch an independent radio venture, revealing plans for “The Wynne Evans Show” to return as a daily programme from 9am to 12pm.
The new show will be available through a dedicated app, on Alexa and Google smart speakers, and at www.wynneevansshow.co.uk.
Evans promised the programme would feature “great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more”.
According to reports, Evans has secretly patented the name of his Wales radio programme in a move that is sure to infuriate BBC executives.
A source close to Evans said he had been “overwhelmed with support from friends, family and celebrities” and had already received “a couple of exciting TV objects mooted”.
The source added that Evans “has an exciting couple of big name guests already lined up” for his new venture.