Kai Widdrington makes feelings clear on Wynne Evans ‘sexual jibe’ scandal as BBC Strictly star offers show of support
Kai Widdrington has become the latest Strictly Come Dancing star to show their support for Wynne Evans after he apologised for “inappropriate and unacceptable” comments made towards It Takes Two host Janette Manrara.
The Go Compare tenor, 52, was recorded making a crude remark about a three-way sexual act involving Manrara at a photocall event in Birmingham on January 16.
The incident has reportedly led to a stern warning from BBC bosses, who told Evans such behaviour would not be tolerated on the tour.
During the group photo session, Evans was recorded saying “Go Compare” before warning Manrara: “Not too close to Jamie!”
He then made a demeaning comment about a “spit roast” as Manrara positioned herself between him and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick.
While Manrara’s reaction was obscured in the footage, Borthwick was reportedly seen wincing at the remark as Evans sniggered to himself.
A Mail on Sunday reporter captured the incident on video from 20 yards away during the official tour launch at Birmingham Arena.
In a statement, Evans said: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
A spokesman for the Strictly live tour and BBC Studios responded: “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.”
Manrara’s spokeswoman said the host had been “unaware of this comment by Wynne”.
In the hours after his apology, his dance partner Jones showed her support for Evans as she took to Instagram to share an image of the singer and fellow contestants Borthwick and Tasha Ghouri alongside a love heart emoji and the caption: “Tour fam.”
Widdrington has now followed suit, sharing an image of himself with Evans, Borthwick and Neil Jones on the live tour, simply sharing a love heart emoji alongside the post.
This is not Evans’ first controversy during his time with Strictly. In October, he faced criticism after appearing to “grope” his dance partner Jones, who was seen moving his hand from her waist during the live show.
Jones, who branded it the “hand incident”, later defended Evans on It Takes Two, saying: “This whole incident with the hand and the high five was an inside joke between Wynne and I.”
Evans also sparked controversy after reportedly joking that his double chin resembled a vagina while getting his makeup done backstage before the BBC launch show.
Evans pulled out of the Glasgow tour performance on Saturday due to an ankle injury, though he was still able to sing during the show.
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Sharing images of his bruised ankle on Instagram, Evans said: “Ankle’s getting a bit better, it was great to be able to sing in Glasgow tonight, even if I couldn’t dance, hopefully back tomorrow.”
The tour is set to continue at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday before moving to Leeds’ First Direct Arena on Thursday and Friday.
Widdrington also publicly backed Evans amid the so-called “hand incident” saga, again taking to Instagram to show his support for the pair’s claims the entire thing was an “inside joke”.
The pro dancer was without a partner during the flagship series last year but did win the Strictly Christmas special alongside drag performer, Tayce.