The BBC’s scheduled meeting with Welsh tenor Wynne Evans has reportedly been postponed due to concerns over his mental well-being.
The GoCompare opera singer, who gained further popularity through his participation in Strictly Come Dancing,
has been embroiled in controversy after making an inappropriate remark during a promotional event for the show’s live tour.
Meeting Delayed Amid Personal Struggles
Evans, 53, was initially set to meet with BBC executives to discuss his future after being removed from both the Strictly live tour and his BBC Radio Wales show.
However, sources indicate that the meeting has been delayed as the singer has been struggling with the emotional and reputational fallout from the situation.
“The stress of what has happened to his reputation has been weighing heavily on his mind,” a source shared.
“The decision has been made to postpone the meeting by a couple of weeks to allow Wynne time to get his head straight.”
Although reports previously suggested that Evans was prepared to challenge the BBC’s decision and take legal action, insiders now claim that his declining mental health has taken priority.
The Controversial Comment That Sparked the Fallout
The controversy surrounding Evans began in early January when he made an inappropriate remark during a Strictly live tour photo call. It was reported that he joked about a sexual act, commonly referred to as a “spit roast,” in reference to Strictly host Janette Manrara. His remark, which was caught on camera, was deemed unacceptable by BBC executives and tour organizers, resulting in immediate repercussions.
Following the incident, Evans issued a public apology, acknowledging that his language had been “inappropriate and unacceptable.” Despite his apology, he was informed that his behavior would not be tolerated and was subsequently removed from the tour.
Evans’ Response and Plans to Fight Back
Shortly after his removal, reports suggested that Evans was gearing up to challenge the BBC’s actions, with sources claiming he was considering legal action for loss of earnings, unfair dismissal, and a potential breach of contract.
“Wynne was due to meet the BBC last week to talk about the concerns raised against him and how, if they could, move forward,” an insider revealed. “Wynne was ready to fight, but in recent weeks, he has been struggling mentally.”
His representatives, however, have stated that his departure from the Strictly tour was not a dismissal but rather a decision based on health reasons.
Support from Co-Stars and Janette Manrara’s Silence
While the scandal has drawn significant attention, it has been reported that some of Evans’ Strictly colleagues have shown support for him. Some insiders claim that the remark was not actually directed at Manrara and that those present during the photo call were aware of the context.
However, Manrara has not publicly commented on the controversy, leaving questions about her stance on the matter unanswered. Reports previously suggested that she harbored no ill feelings toward Evans and that his fellow tour members had rallied around him in the aftermath of the incident.
Taking Time for Reflection
Following the fallout, Evans released a statement indicating that he would be stepping back from public commitments, including his radio show and the Strictly tour, to focus on his well-being.
“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 prioritize my well-being,” Evans shared on social media.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate action has caused, and I 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.”
What’s Next for Evans?
As the investigation into his actions remains unresolved, it remains unclear what the future holds for Evans at the BBC. While the delayed meeting suggests that the broadcaster is willing to revisit discussions, his mental health and legal considerations may further complicate the situation.
With Evans taking time away from the spotlight, his next steps will likely depend on whether he chooses to pursue legal action or seek reconciliation with the BBC. For now, his focus appears to be on personal recovery as he navigates the challenges that have arisen from the controversy.
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