**Wynne Evans Speaks Out on “Strictly” Controversy, Calls Situation “Heartbreaking”**
Welsh opera singer and broadcaster Wynne Evans has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his departure from the “Strictly Come Dancing” live tour, describing the scandal as deeply distressing and calling into question the narrative that has dominated headlines in recent months. In his first in-depth interview since the incident, Evans has spoken candidly about the impact of the allegations on both his professional and personal life.
The 53-year-old, who rose to national prominence as the face of a popular insurance campaign and later through his captivating performances on “Strictly”, has stated emphatically that the so-called “spit roast” remark—widely interpreted as sexual in nature—was not intended as such. Instead, Evans insists the term was a playful, albeit unfortunate, nickname for his fellow “Strictly” contestant Jamie Borthwick, referencing the actor’s unusual ability to contort his legs over his head.
Evans told reporters, “I would of course apologise unreservedly had I meant it in that sense, but the fact that I described Jamie as ‘spit-roast boy’ shows clearly I was addressing him directly, not anyone else.” Wynne also highlighted the nuanced language of the exchange and maintained that there was nothing sexual meant by his comment. Despite this defence, the furore that followed proved to be both swift and severe.
Prior to the commencement of the “Strictly” live tour, Evans found himself facing suspension from the production and was simultaneously required to pause his BBC radio show. The BBC, reacting to public outcry, issued a statement indicating a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour. Evans, maintaining that his intentions were misunderstood, explained that his initial expression of regret—prompted by being told he had inadvertently caused offence—was publicised as a formal apology before he had even seen the statement himself. “The apology,” Evans remarked, “just seemed to confirm the worst instead of clarifying the facts as I had hoped.”
The emotional toll of these developments has been considerable for the Welsh baritone. Evans, who has openly discussed his struggles with clinical depression in the past, revealed that he was placed under constant supervision by a mental health crisis team after the story broke, describing the subsequent period as “truly awful” and one that has left his career in disarray. He also firmly refuted suggestions that he is either a misogynist or someone prone to inappropriate conduct, explaining the backstage culture of pranks and banter that, in his view, was misconstrued in this instance.
Further allegations subsequently emerged, compounding the situation for Evans. Media outlets reported claims of sexual harassment, including accusations of improper contact with his dance partner, Katya Jones, although both parties have since denied any untoward behaviour and described the incidents as misinterpreted inside jokes. Additionally, video footage leaked by the press depicted Evans and Borthwick joking about a sex toy backstage, a moment Evans now insists was manipulated and taken out of context by the media to suit a particular narrative.
The handling of these incidents by both the media and the BBC has drawn criticism from Evans, who expressed feeling blindsided by the public nature of the proceedings. Remarkably, he stated that he only learned of his formal dismissal from “Strictly” through a newspaper headline, rather than official communication.
This muddled communication, coupled with the ongoing speculation, has prompted Evans to break his silence in order to present his side of the story and confront what he considers inaccuracies in the reporting of the controversy. On social media, Evans has maintained, “I have done nothing wrong,” and suggested that the media have manipulated private conversations in order to create more damaging headlines.
As the dust settles on this controversy, the future of Evans’ career remains uncertain. BBC Studios were contacted for comment on the matter but had not issued a statement at the time of publication. The unfolding situation raises questions about the balance of accountability, media reporting, and the far-reaching consequences that public controversies can have on individuals in the spotlight.