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Wynne Evans axed from Strictly Come Dancing tour after "spitroast" remark

Wynne Evans axed from Strictly Come Dancing tour after
© BBC
Wynne Evans is dropped from the remainder of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour following his controversial remarks during a presscall.

Wynne Evans has been axed from the remaining 12 dates of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in the wake of controversial footage leaked in the press last week.

In the video clip - recorded some weeks earlier - the radio presenter was appearing alongside fellow celebs and professionals at a photocall for the tall when he was heard joking about a "spitroast" in reference to host Janette Manrara.

Evans subsequently apologised for his remarks and is believed to have been reprimanded by BBC executives, but the continuing public outrage led to him being dropped from the lineup on Tuesday evening.

A source told The Sun: "It's been an incredibly difficult situation for all concerned.

"The BBC are damned if they do and damned if they don't. But in this day and age, it felt untenable to keep Wynne on the tour.

"It was detracting from what is otherwise a family-friendly show. He had been warned repeatedly about his language, but the inappropriate remarks kept coming. And once one was captured on video, there was no going back.

"He is a man of a certain age, and it's fair to say his puerile remarks — while funny to him and perhaps other men of a certain age - wore thin."

In a statement, Evans - also known for the 'Go Compare' adverts - confirmed his tour departure and an extended break from his weekly BBC Radio Wales show.

He said: "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."

The Strictly live tour continues this week in Liverpool before moving on to Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and London.

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Written by
Neil Wilkes

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