CURTAIN CALL
Strictly Come Dancing’s Wynne Evans AXED from live tour after sexual jibe
Co-stars have shared posts in support of Wynne
WYNNE Evans is set to be axed from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour following his crude remark to Janette Manrara.
The under fire opera singer, who turned 53 yesterday, joked about having a threesome with professional dancer Janette, 41, during a full cast photocall.
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A source said: "He's had repeated warnings about his behaviour and told to rein it in. He's not been taking it in, in this day and age the BBC have to be seen taking action and safeguard 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.
"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."
The Sun understands BBC Studios will be releasing a statement later today.
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Wynne previously apologised after he was heard using the term "spit roast" to co-star Jamie Borthwick while standing beside Janette.
He said: "My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise."
A spokesman for Janette claimed she hadn't heard the comment.
Wynne's apology hasn't saved his place on the tour and bosses have now removed him, despite initially giving him a final warning.
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A tour insider previously said: “As soon as they were alerted to the remarks, tour producers called a meeting with Wynne.
“He was very apologetic and fully agreed that what he said was inappropriate and unacceptable.
“He was given a warning and told in no uncertain terms that that kind of language is not tolerated."
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The awkward U-turn follows a backlash from some fans of the show who voiced their disappointment over his language.
One fumed: "Either he goes or we don’t go. It’s supposed to be a family show. Get rid of Wynne Evans."
Another said: "I don’t think a warning is enough. He shouldn’t be allowed to say something so vile about a stranger and continue to make money from the tour."
A third said: "He needs to be removed from the tour immediately.";
However, others feel that while inappropriate, he should be allowed to redeem himself.
His co-stars have been supporting him since the initial joke furore and are concerned by his low mood.
Katya Jones and Tasha Ghouri shared a picture of them enjoying a night out with Wynne, while Kai Widdrington also posted a snap with his arm around the singer along with a love heart emoji.
Last night the likes of Amy Dowden, Lauren Oakley and Janette's husband Aljaz Skorjanec attended Wynne's birthday meal in Liverpool, though Wynne himself wasn't pictured.
Away from Strictly, Wynne has accepted an offer by the BBC to take some time away from his BBC Radio Wales show.
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He is being replaced on BBC Radio Wales by comic Robin Windsor.
Last night his new buddy travel show with Gavin and Stacey's Joanna Page aired on BBC One.
The six-part show sees the friends explore the Welsh coast.
The ill-thought joke has brought his previous Strictly scandal with Katya Jones back to the fore.
He sparked controversy in the last series for appearing to touch pro partner Katya Jones inappropriately around her waist on live TV, before she moved his hand away.
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In another awkward moment she snubbed his attempt at a high-five, suggesting to viewers Wynne had upset her.
They called it an “in-joke” and Katya later defended him on TV and social media, supporting his claim and saying there was no problem.
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Wynne Evans' Strictly scandals
‘Grope’
Wynne encountered a backlash after his Strictly pro partner Katya was filmed removing his hand from her waist.
Fans insisted she looked uncomfortable as she moved it away – but Katya later insisted there was no problem.
In joke
They then sparked further fury, when she was seen refusing to high-five the Opera singer.
The duo were quick to issue a video apology and insisted it was all an innocent "inside joke".
Crude joke
Wynne came under fire for allegedly telling a "crude" joke to one of the show's make-up artists.
Insiders claim the opera star made a joke that the folds of his double chin "looked like a vagina".
A source said: “It was a bit of a vulgar dad joke.”
Vile comment
Wynne was recorded suggesting a three-way sex session with presenter Janette Manrara, using the term "spit roast".
His remark came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, which pro Janette, 41, is hosting.
He reportedly pulled a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick as Janette moved between them — which is when Evans allegedly made the joke.
Wynne has apologised saying: "My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise."
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