Twist in Wynne Evans Strictly scandal as ‘knifed’ star set to take BBC to tribunal over ‘sex joke’ sacking from tour

SINGER Wynne Evans feels he has been “knifed” by the BBC over his Strictly sacking and will not go down without a fight, insiders said last night.

The Go Compare star, 53, is set to take the corporation to a tribunal as he believes his reputation has been unfairly left “in tatters”.

He wants to contest his dismissal last month after a sexual comment about a “spit-roast” during the tour’s press launch.

Execs at Go Compare, the insurance website which the Welshman has fronted since 2009, are understood to have held crisis meetings about him.

Wynne was also taken off air from his BBC Wales radio show in the wake of the scandal.

A source said: “Wynne’s reputation has been left in tatters and he wants to try to seek some recompense.

“He said he is going to a tribunal with the BBC and will fight with every breath in his body. Wynne feels he has been treated unfairly and won’t go down without a fight.

“As well as an unfair dismissal, Wynne thinks he has a case for loss of earnings, as well as a potential breach of contract. He is being advised by a legal team and thinks he has a strong case to take forward.”

Insiders said Wynne’s controversial “spit-roast” remark — which was captured on video — was not aimed at Strictly pro Janette Manrara as claimed.

He also feels that was known by others who were present at the photo call in Birmingham ahead of the dance show’s live tour.

Our source said: “Wynne knows the meaning behind his comment and, to his frustration, so do many of the pro dancers and celebrities who were on the tour with him.

"He is heartbroken by how this all played out and is upset that no one has spoken out to defend him publicly.

“He knows the language was unacceptable but, ultimately, the meaning behind what he said is not out there.

"It was an ‘in’ joke. It didn’t offend anyone and no one complained. Wynne feels badly let down by the whole process and some of his co-stars who he was incredibly close to.”

After footage of the comment emerged, he was warned about his conduct by the tour boss.

But the BBC said in a statement it did not receive any complaints.

However, a day later he was told he was being kicked off the live shows.

A friend close to Wynne added: “Wynne feels like his sacking was a knee-jerk reaction to public commentary around the joke. He feels as though he has been thrown under the bus.”

Wynne feels like his sacking was a knee-jerk reaction to public commentary around the joke. He feels as though he has been thrown under the bus

A friend

Wynne, who earns around £200,000 a year from Go Compare as opera singer Gio Compario, also sparked controversy on the last Strictly series, when he was accused of “groping” his partner Katya Jones, 35, live on air.

Wynne was seen moving his hand along Katya’s waist before she appeared to swat it away.

Later the pair insisted it was a joke in a joint video message.

The Sun also revealed the BBC was aware of concerns about his use of inappropriate language on two other occasions.

One was linked to his radio show while another was during filming of his new All At Sea TV series with actress Joanna Page.

The BBC refused to comment on the latest development.