Opera singer Wynne Evans has been dismissed from the ongoing live tour of Strictly Come Dancing, 

following a crude remark he made about having a threesome with professional dancer Janette Manrara during a full cast photocall. 

The 53-year-old’s comments sparked an internal investigation and led to his removal from the tour, marking yet another surprising exit from the beloved BBC series.

Sources close to the situation have revealed that Evans had received repeated warnings about his behaviour before the controversial incident occurred. 

“He’s had repeated warnings about his behaviour and was told to rein it in, but he didn’t take it seriously. 

In this day and age, the BBC had to act swiftly and ensure the safety of all involved,” said a source. 

Despite the controversy, the singer is reportedly receiving support from many of the backstage dancers. “It’s been a sad ending to what was a really fun tour,” the source added. Evans is said to be taking time off to reflect on his actions, as he grapples with personal issues, including the recent death of his brother.

Evans is not the first name to leave Strictly Come Dancing under difficult circumstances. Over the years, several well-known figures have been axed from the show for various reasons, from internal conflicts to public controversies. Let’s take a look back at some of the most shocking departures from Strictly over the years.

Brendan Cole: A Controversial Departure

Brendan Cole, one of Strictly’s original professional dancers, was a fan favourite and an iconic figure on the show since its debut in 2004. He won the first-ever Glitterball trophy alongside Natasha Kaplinsky and became known for his fiery exchanges with judges and his outspoken personality. However, in 2018, Cole announced that his contract would not be renewed for the next series. He was deeply emotional about the decision, describing himself as “shocked” and “raw” on Lorraine Kelly’s chat show. His departure marked the end of an era for Strictly, but Cole later reflected on his 15 years with the show with pride.

Giovanni Pernice: A Rocky Exit

Giovanni Pernice’s departure from Strictly came amid a highly publicized scandal involving actress Amanda Abbington. Pernice, who had been with the show since 2015, was accused by Abbington of bullying and inappropriate behaviour during rehearsals in 2023. The BBC conducted an investigation into the allegations, which ultimately led to Pernice being suspended. The investigation found some of the claims to be substantiated, though he was cleared of any physical aggression. Pernice’s exit from the BBC show was followed by a successful run on the Italian version, Ballando con le Stelle, where he won the competition. While he expressed a desire to return to Strictly, Pernice admitted that it was unlikely the show would invite him back after the controversy.

Graziano Di Prima: A Sudden Departure

Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima’s departure from Strictly was announced ahead of the 2024 series. Di Prima, who had been a professional dancer on the show since 2018, was initially included in the line-up but was later removed after an internal investigation into physical incidents with his 2023 partner, Zara McDermott. The BBC confirmed his exit, stating that they take any issues raised seriously and act swiftly. His departure added to the list of professionals leaving the show amidst allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Arlene Phillips: The Ageism Controversy

Choreographer and former dancer Arlene Phillips was a part of the original Strictly judging panel, serving from 2004 to 2008. However, her contract was not renewed for the 2009 series, sparking widespread discussion about ageism in the entertainment industry. Phillips was replaced by Alesha Dixon, a decision that many felt was an unjustified removal of the highly respected choreographer. Phillips later opened up about the hurt she felt, describing the situation as “really awful” and “unexpected.” The incident led to broader conversations about the challenges women face in the entertainment industry as they age.

Aljaž Škorjanec: A Shocking Exit and Return

In 2022, Slovenian dancer Aljaž Škorjanec made headlines when he announced that he was leaving Strictly after a turbulent period. Reports suggested that his departure was linked to a verbal altercation with a female professional during the live tour. The dancer was said to have lashed out at crew members in a manner described as aggressive and unpleasant. However, Škorjanec later denied the allegations, stating that it was his personal decision to leave after a fulfilling nine years on the show. He returned to Strictly in 2023, where he partnered with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, reaching the 2024 final.

These controversial departures serve as a reminder that Strictly Come Dancing, despite its glamour and appeal, is not immune to the personal and professional challenges faced by its stars. As the BBC continues to uphold its duty of care and work to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved, it is clear that the show’s history will always be marked by these difficult exits. As for Wynne Evans, it remains to be seen how his future in the industry unfolds, but for now, his involvement in the Strictly live tour has come to an abrupt end.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.