Beleaguered Strictly star Wynne Evans has reportedly hired lawyers amid his sacking from the show’s live tour.
The Welsh opera singer, who found fame singing the Go Compare jingle, announced last week that he was taking some time away from his BBC Wales show and would not be performing across the UK with the rest of the 2024 cast His shock removal came after he was heard making a demeaning sexual comment at Janette Manrara during the tour launch in Birmingham.
When Janette walked over to the group. He sang out: "Go Compare," before adding: "Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick]."
The 52-year-old then used vile term "spit roast" in reference to a lewd sexual act.
Image:
Getty Images)In a statement, Evans told the Mirror : "My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise."
But new reports claim that Wynne may now be seeking damages from the BBC for alleged loss of earnings, and has instructed top London law firm Russells to represent him. A source told The Sun: “He’s been in a bad way all week and his brother and partner have looked after him. He’s appointed an expensive law firm to take advice on potentially losing his jobs.”
Representative for Wynne Evans have been approached for comment.
A spokesperson for the Strictly Live 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."
Wynne confirmed the axe and agreed with the BBC to “take some time out” from his radio show and the Strictly Come Dancing live tour “to prioritise my wellbeing”. 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.
Image:
PA)“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.”
Speaking previously to the Mirror, Wynne said: "My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise." Following the incident, the BBC revealed that they had warned Evans about his behaviour.
"He has a lot of support from a lot of the backstage dancers. It's been a really sad ending to what has been a really fun tour." But this isn't the only scandal Wynne has faced since appearing on Strictly last year.
Image:
BBC)Fans were concerned during one of the Strictly TV shows when Wynne was seen with his arm around dance partner Katya Jones's waist, while she appeared to grimace as she removed his hand. He later attempted to give her a high five, but viewers spotted her giving him a hard stare before she turned her back on him.
Hours before Wynne's bombshell announcement, a source told the Sun: "He's had repeated warnings about his behaviour and told to reign it in. He's not been taking it in, in this day and age the BBC have to be seen taking action and safegaurad everyone. He's had a tough time with the death of his brother and people should give him some slack, he is going to take this time off to do some self reflection.
As well as his work with the BBC hanging in the balance, there have been crisis talks at Go Compare, who are thought to pay him around £200,000-a-year.
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