The BBC has reportedly postponed planned crisis talks with Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans as concerns grow over his mental well-being.
The 53-year-old presenter and singer, best known for his role in the Go Compare adverts,
has been facing significant backlash following an incident during the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, leading to his temporary withdrawal from public commitments.
BBC Meeting Delayed Over Mental Health Concerns
Initially, the BBC had scheduled a meeting with Wynne to discuss the controversy surrounding his recent actions and his future with the corporation.
However, insiders now claim that these discussions have been pushed back to allow him time to focus on his mental health.
A source told The Sun: “Wynne was due to meet the BBC last week to talk about the concerns raised against him and how, if they could, move forward. Wynne was ready to fight but in recent weeks he has been struggling mentally.”
The same source added that the stress of the situation has significantly affected Wynne, stating: “The stress of what has happened to his reputation has been weighing heavily on his mind.” As a result, it was decided that the meeting should be postponed for a few weeks, giving him time to process everything and focus on his well-being before making any decisions about his career.
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
The controversy began in January when Wynne was accused of making an inappropriate remark during a Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour photocall in Birmingham. During the event, host Janette Manrara approached the group, prompting Wynne to sing Go Compare, a nod to his well-known advertisement role. However, he then reportedly made an additional comment referencing EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick before allegedly using a slang term that has explicit connotations.
Following the public backlash, Wynne issued an apology, acknowledging that his words were “inappropriate and unacceptable”. Speaking to The Mirror, he expressed regret, stating: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise.”
A spokesperson for the Strictly tour and BBC Studios responded to the incident, clarifying their stance: “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.”
Wynne Steps Away from the Spotlight
Shortly after the incident, Wynne announced he would be taking a break from his BBC Radio Wales show, the Strictly tour, and other public commitments. In a formal statement, he explained his decision:
“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 well-being. 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.”
His former Strictly dance partner, Katya Jones, showed her support by sharing his statement on social media, writing: “Let’s show humanity and consideration. I will miss you my darling boy.”
Further Allegations and Possible Legal Action
As the scandal continues, additional reports have emerged suggesting that Wynne’s controversial phrase was actually a nickname for a fellow tour member and was frequently used behind the scenes. According to The Sun, “it was widely remarked on and laughed at” during the tour and became a regular part of their backstage conversations.
Additionally, it has been claimed that the BBC was made aware of two other instances in which concerns were raised about Wynne’s language on separate projects. This has fueled speculation that there may be broader issues at play regarding his conduct.
Amid these developments, it has been reported that Wynne is considering taking legal action against the BBC. Allegedly, he is prepared to escalate the situation to a tribunal, arguing that the corporation has mishandled the controversy.
What’s Next for Wynne Evans?
With the BBC delaying crisis talks to allow Wynne time to recover mentally, his future within the organization remains uncertain. While he has expressed deep remorse for his actions, the impact on his career and reputation has been significant. The possibility of a legal dispute with the BBC could further complicate matters.
For now, Wynne remains out of the public eye, focusing on his well-being as he navigates the fallout from the scandal. Whether he will make a return to Strictly Come Dancing, BBC Radio Wales, or other professional commitments remains to be seen.
As the situation unfolds, fans and colleagues alike are left wondering what the next steps will be for the entertainer, whose once-thriving career has been thrown into turmoil.
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