Wynne Evans makes unexpected return to BBC after Strictly tour axe and ‘lewd comments’ scandal
WYNNE Evans made a surprise return to TV screens on the BBC last night after his axing from the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
The 53-year-old star is reportedly preparing for showdown talks with the Beeb following his scandal hit time on the dancing show.
But last night he took delight in watching a 2023 episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip in which he starred with Gavin and Stacey‘s Joanna Page.
He shared a screen grab from the episode on Instagram and wrote: “Great to see this on the BBC tonight catching on BBC iPlayer.”
The hour-long episode began in Wynne’s hometown of Carmarthen, before the crew went on the hunt for valuables in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Rhydowen, Newcastle Emlyn and Narberth, to sell at a Worcestershire auction house.
Opera star Wynne then shared a selfie with Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh and wished her a happy birthday.
The telly repeat comes weeks after Wynne was sacked from the Strictly tour amid accusations he used inappropriate language to pro dancer Janette Manrara.
Evans dismissed it as an “in-joke” that tour colleagues were in on, and has hired a lawyer to clear his name.
The incident has had dire implications for his career though and he has reportedly been dropped by comparison site GoCompare.
Wynne had a lucrative deal with the brand for which he played the role of flamboyant tenor Gio Compario.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: “The whole ordeal has been a real headache for GoCompare.
“It’s been a tough decision for them because Wynne is undeniably a major part of their branding.
“It’s also been tricky to even have him in the current ads, so it’s best not to have him filming for the next ones.”
The Sun contacted GoCompare and Evans’ representative for comment.
Evans was also suspended from his BBC Radio Wales show following accusations he used inappropriate language.
A friend recently revealed Evans will take a 30-page defence dossier into showdown talks with the BBC.
A source said: “As far as Wynne is concerned, he has been wronged.
“He understands the language he used was not appropriate but it’s all been taken so out of context.
“Wynne has got a legal team in his corner and he has a 30-odd page dossier which he thinks will help his case.
“He absolutely loves his job on BBC Radio Wales and having to step back from it in the wake of his [Strictly] dismissal was heartbreaking.”
A friend said: “This has hit Wynne hard. His Radio Wales job means so much to him and he will fight to keep his role there.
“The listeners love him, and they’ve even made social media pages supporting him.”
Wynne has struggled with his mental health and has been supported by girlfriend Liz Brookes.
Insiders say he also felt he had been “knifed” by some Strictly co-stars who understood the context of his comment to Janette.
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.”