SPEAKING OUT
Wynne Evans breaks silence on Strictly tour axe saying ‘I am deeply sorry for pain caused and inappropriate behaviour’
WYNNE Evans has broken his silence after he was axed from the Strictly live tour.
The Go Compare opera singer, 53, is facing backlash after a crude sexual comment about Janette Manrara during the tour.
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Wynne said this evening: "I've agreed with the BBC that l'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."
According to insiders, the incident followed “repeated warnings about his behaviour” leading show bosses to remove him from the tour.
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Taking to X, his brother Mark, a baritone performer and children’s author, also praised his brother’s character while addressing the controversy.
He said: “As a brother, I want to express my unwavering support for him during this challenging time.”
He continued: “Wynne has a heart of gold and the courage of a lion, paired with a talent that outshines most.
“His charisma and humour have brought joy to countless people.”
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Mark’s statement comes during a difficult period for the family, who suffered a devastating loss earlier this year when Wynne and Mark’s eldest brother, Huw, passed away.
At the time, Wynne shared his heartbreak in an emotional tribute.
Watch emotional moment axed Strictly star Wynne Evans breaks down in tears on It Takes Two after turbulent show journey
He said: “My big brother was my hero and my inspiration. Huw, my darling, I will miss you so much and am so glad I got to have you with me all my life.”
Wynne previously apologised after he was heard using the term "spit roast" to co-star Jamie Borthwick while standing beside Janette during the live tour's photocall in Birmingham.
A spokesman for Janette claimed she hadn't heard the comment.
The BBC has since confirmed that Wynne will be taking time away from his regional radio show while the fallout continues.
CAST DIVIDE
While he has since apologised for the comment, the moment left the stars split between sides – with some wanting to distance themselves from him in the aftermath.
The divide no doubt played a part in bosses making the decision to remove him from the tour completely.
We told today how the opera singer is taking a step back after the BBC felt they had to take action.
A source told The Sun: "Some members of the pro team are not impressed by what has gone on and have made it clear they don't really want to be friends with Wynne.
"They have removed themselves from the main group and have stopped hanging out with him.
"It's all very sad, but people feel they have to protect themselves. "
Others have rallied around him, particularly for his birthday, which he celebrated yesterday.
However the singer missed his birthday party with his Strictly co-stars as he turned 53 on Monday.
It has also been revealed some pro dancers had removed Wynne from their social media and unfollowed him on Instagram.
However, Janette and her husband, fellow pro Aljaz Skorjanec, both still follow him at the time of writing.
BBC and Strictly Live producers said: "We have made it clear to Wynne we do not tolerate such behaviour on tour."
MISSED CELEBRATIONS
Last night, Wynne's co-stars went ahead with a planned meal for his 53rd birthday at Gaucho in Liverpool - despite the singer not turning up.
Our exclusive pictures show Love Island's Tasha Ghouri linking arms with judge Craig Revel Horwood at the event, with the likes of Kai Widdrington, Amy Dowden, Lauren Oakley and Janette's husband Aljaz Skorjanec also in attendance.
A source told The Sun: “The gang were keen to do something for Wynne’s birthday because he’s had a hard time.
“They organised a cake for him and everything, but he didn’t show up.
“Everyone had a great time anyway but it was really sad he didn’t join them, but now they know he has been axed, it all makes sense.”
It's the second scandal Wynne has been embroiled in during his Strictly journey.
He sparked controversy in the most recent series for hugging pro partner Katya Jones' waist on live TV before she moved his hand away.
The cast reunited last night to celebrate Wynne's birthday, but the star missed the celebrations.
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After criticism from viewers the pair addressed the "grope" on social media and laughed it off as a joke.
They bounced back and made it through to Strictly's coveted Blackpool week, and were signed to the Strictly live tour.
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