WYNNE Evans’s Strictly co-stars have rallied around him following his decision to step back from the tour and his BBC work commitments.
Insiders told The Sun that Wynne, 53, was at home in Wales with close pals “keeping an eye on him,” as the BBC put him in touch with a welfare officer.
Close pals of Strictly’s Wynne are ‘keeping an eye on him’[/caption]
Wynne stepped down following his remark to Janette Manrara about a ‘spit roast’[/caption]
The opera singer is battling to save his career, including his £1million Go Compare contract after making crude sexual “jokes” to Strictly crew and co-stars.
He stepped down from the tour and his BBC Radio Wales show on Tuesday following his remark to Janette Manrara about a “spit roast”.
Wynne left Liverpool on Tuesday and returned home to be with his friends and family.
A source said: “Wynne is surrounded by people who are supporting him and the BBC have assigned him someone to talk to.
“He is incredibly apologetic and knows what he says was misjudged.
“Wynne’s Strictly co-stars have all rallied and are backing him all the way,
“They all love Wynne and have a lot of time for him.
“Janette has nothing but affection for Wynne. They just want him to be alright.”
Last night Wynne was holed up at his home in Wales with close pals looking after him.
He spoke out on Tuesday and issued a statement confirming he was stepping back from his radio show and from the Strictly Live tour.
He said: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that l’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.”
Taking to X, his brother Mark, a baritone performer and children’s author, also praised his brother’s character while addressing the controversy.
Wynne was seen in Liverpool with Katya Jones and Kai Widdrington[/caption]
He kept a low profile with black sunglasses[/caption]
He said: “As a brother, I want to express my unwavering support for him during this challenging time.”
He continued: “Wynne has a heart of gold and the courage of a lion, paired with a talent that outshines most.
“His charisma and humour have brought joy to countless people.”
Wynne alluded to a threesome by using the term “spit roast”, outraging fans of the Strictly and prompting bosses to remove him from the production.
It followed an incident early in last year’s series when he was criticised for placing his hand on dance partner Katya Jones’ midriff before she quickly removed it – though both insist there was no issue.
Following his remark on the Strictly tour, Wynne split from his girlfriend Liz Brookes.
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.”
