The BBC has reportedly delayed "crisis talks" with Wynne Evans to discuss his future due to concerns for his mental health.
Wynne, 53, announced in January that he had agreed with the BBC to "take some time out" from his BBC Radio Wales show and the Strictly Come Dancing live tour to "prioritise" his "wellbeing". It came after he issued an apology for using "inappropriate and unacceptable" language on the tour.
It was later reported that Wynne was facing "crisis talks" with the corporation. It's however now been claimed that the meeting has been postponed by a few weeks due to the situation having been "weighing heavily on his mind".
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 source continued: "The stress of what has happened to his reputation has been weighing heavily on his mind." They added that it's been decided to "postpone" the meeting by "a couple of weeks" to give him "time to get his head straight".
It comes less than a month after Wynne announced he was stepping back from the Strictly tour and his radio show. His departure was announced after it was revealed that he mad a demeaning remark whilst at a photocall with his co-stars during the tour launch in Birmingham.
As previously reported, the comment came after host Janette Manrara walked over to the group. Wynne sang out "Go Compare" before adding: "Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick]." He then appeared to use the term "spit roast," in reference to a lewd sexual act, in the video shared by Daily Mail.
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Jacob King/PA Wire)Wynne later apologised, telling the Mirror: "My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise." Whilst a spokesperson for the tour and BBC Studios said: "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."
Shortly afterwards, he said in a statement: "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."
His former dance partner Katya Jones later reacted to the news. She shared his statement on her Instagram account and wrote in a caption over it: "Let's show humanity and consideration. I will miss you my darling boy."
It's since been alleged that the phrase used by Wynne was a nickname for a co-star and was known to be as such to a number of those involved in the tour. The Sun previously reported that it was "widely remarked on and laughed at" on the tour and "became something that was regularly bandied about".
And amid the scandal, it has also been claimed that Wynne is prepared to take the BBC to a tribunal over the situation. It's also been reported that the BBC was told of two other times concerns were raised about the language he used on other projects.
If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
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