Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has launched a scathing attack on Strictly Come Dancing, accusing the BBC programme of being "fundamentally flawed in its duty of care". The 53-year-old tenor, known for the Go.Compare insurance advertisements, competed in the show's 20th anniversary series with professional dancer Katya Jones.
Evans was dropped by the BBC in May and lost his BBC Radio Wales presenting role after apologising for using "inappropriate language" during the Strictly tour launch. The apology followed reports in the Mail on Sunday that he had aimed a sexual joke at professional dancer Janette Manrara.
BBC accused of lies and cover-ups
In a lengthy Instagram post, Evans admitted making mistakes but denied the Daily Mail's version of events. He accused the BBC of engaging in "lies and cover-ups in order to absolve themselves of any wrongdoing" and said this was the "hardest part" for him.
Evans claimed his dealings with BBC director-general Tim Davie, BBC Wales and the HR department revealed that "the only thing they truly care about is protecting themselves and their jobs and ratings - people come second". He described being told on his first day in the rehearsal room: "Don't trust anyone in this room -- not even me."
HR department 'twisted facts'
The opera singer alleged that the HR department "twisted facts, invented files and dates, and created a version of events that simply wasn't true". He claimed statements were issued in his name without his knowledge or approval, saying "my voice was taken away".
Evans previously denied approving the BBC statement issued in January in which he apologised for making an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment. At the time, a BBC spokesperson insisted the apology was "fully approved by Wynne".
Mental health struggles revealed
Evans revealed the toll the controversy took on his mental health, describing sitting "in a psychiatrist's office near the BBC, staring out of the window at the BBC building, fighting to save my own life". He said this showed how close he came "to the edge" despite Tim Davie's public promise that the BBC would safeguard Strictly participants.
The singer insisted he was not writing "as a victim" but because "the system is broken". He argued that Strictly is "fundamentally flawed in its duty of care" and "allowed to continue because of ratings, while people's wellbeing is left in tatters".
BBC introduces new welfare measures
The BBC published a review in 2024 following allegations of bullying and harassment against former Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice by his dance partner Amanda Abbington. The corporation upheld some complaints and introduced new welfare measures, including chaperones present "at all times" during training room rehearsals.
Evans, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2023 and performed in The Phantom of the Opera's 25th anniversary, told the Sun in May that his controversial comment was not sexual or directed at a female cast member. He claimed it was actually a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick from EastEnders.
The opera singer announced his return to broadcasting in June with The Wynne Evans Show, a live weekday internet programme. The BBC declined to comment on Evans' social media post.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
