Wynne Evans 'gutted' as he's axed by BBC after Strictly Come Dancing scandal
Following his departure from the Strictly live tour, Wynne has now been dropped by the BBC
TV star Wynne Evans has released a statement and said he's "gutted" after being axed by the BBC following his Strictly Come Dancing scandal.
The 53-year-old opera singer participated in last year's Strictly Come Dancing series alongside professional partner, Katya Jones. However, the pair were eliminated during the Blackpool special just weeks before the grand final.
Once the show ended after crowning comedian Chris McCausland and dancer Dianne Buswell as the Glitterball champions, some of the cast of 2024 prepared to take on the Strictly live tour.
The tour took place across the UK, with a new winner announced every night. It kicked off back in January and ended in early February, and saw a number of stars from Strictly's 20th-anniversary series.
While Wynne and Katya were in the original line-up, Wynne's touring journey came to an abrupt end on January 28 in Liverpool, 11 days after the tour's opening night in Birmingham, after Wynne confirmed he was taking a step back from his work commitments.
It was revealed that he came under fire for making an alleged "inappropriate remark" to Janette Manrara during a Strictly photocall which he claimed at the time was directed to co-star and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick.
Taking to his Instagram on Friday (30th May), Wynne posted a video sharing that he will not be returning to his show with BBC Radio Wales after his contract wasn't renewed.
He shared: "I think I'm simply gonna say My beloved Wynners, from the very depths of my heart — thank you. These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days.
"Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know. And because you’ve given me so much, I need to tell you this — first, and honestly.
"It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won’t be returning to my radio show. I’m gutted. That show wasn’t just work — it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family.
"Thank you for welcoming me into your homes. Into your hearts. But here’s what I believe, with everything I’ve got: what we built cannot end here."
Wynne continued: "So — deep breath — here goes... We’re getting the band back together. Yes, it’s terrifying. Yes, it’s exhilarating. But I’m doing it — we’re doing it.
"The Wynne Evans Show is coming back, live every day from 9am–12pm on a new app, on Alexa and Google (yes!!!!!! we don’t have to say ‘smart speaker’ anymore!) and at www.wynneevansshow.co.uk.
"This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever. We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again. We have a new home. I’m bringing more presenters soon and I am sure you’ll recognise a few of the faces.
"Please — sign up for the newsletter, tell your friends, share the link, and help me make a noise so loud nobody can ignore it. Most of all, tune in. I will be there every day so let’s light it up together.
"I’m full of nerves. Full of hope. Full of love. Because when we show up for each other — like we always have — anything is possible. Yours always, Wynne xx"
It was only back in January this year that Wynne announced he was taking a step back from his BBC radio stint, as he issued a statement at the time that read: "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."