It is reported that the Go Compare star, 53, believes his reputation has been unfairly damaged after he was axed from the tour
Wynne Evans pictured
Instagram/Wynne Evans
Lisa McLoughlin 2 minutes ago
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Wynne Evans is reportedly preparing to take legal action against the BBC after feeling “knifed” by bosses following his removal from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.
It is reported that the Go Compare star, 53, believes his reputation has been unfairly damaged after he was axed from the tour over a controversial remark directed at host Janette Manrara made during the tour’s press launch, prompting backlash.
Sources claim Evans has since hired a crisis PR expert and is seeking legal advice as he plans to challenge the decision. He has reportedly insisted that his remark was not aimed at Manrara, and a source claims other tour members were aware of this context.
Executives have reportedly held crisis meetings about his role, and the singer has also stepped back from his BBC Wales radio show in the wake of the controversy – and now he’s considering taking the BBC to a tribunal.
A source told The Sun: “He said he is going to a tribunal with the BBC and will fight with every breath in his body. Wynne feels he has been treated unfairly and won’t go down without a fight.
“Wynne knows the meaning behind his comment and, to his frustration, so do many of the pro dancers and celebrities who were on the tour with him.
“He is heartbroken by how this all played out and is upset that no one has spoken out to defend him publicly… 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.”
A friend of Evans stated that he feels his removal from the Strictly tour was a “knee-jerk reaction to public commentary around the joke,” rather than a fair assessment of the situation.
The BBC declined to comment when contacted by The Sun. The Standard has contacted representatives for Wynne Evans and the BBC for comment.
After the incident hit headlines along with reports of other concerning behaviour for which he is said to have be warned about, Evans issued a grovelling apology. He also said he intended to take time out from his BBC radio show to “prioritise my wellbeing”.
After it was confirmed that Evans would no longer be part of the live tour, he issued a statement saying: “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 actions 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.”
Asked about whether he thought Evans could recover from this, he told The Sun: “I hope so, I’ve not been in direct contact with him, but I think he’s going through a bit of a tough time at the minute. Obviously I’m wishing him well and hoping he’ll be able to come back.”
