Wynne Evans has opened up on how he found out he had been axed from the Strictly Come Dancing tour – just days after he lost his brother

Wynne Evans has spoken out about being removed from the Strictly Come Dancing tour – and ‘how’ he found out about his axe after comments towards professional dancer Janette Manrara. During this time, the star says he was a “grieving mess” after losing his older brother Huw.

The opera singer was axed from the live tour earlier this year after he made a crude remark about the dancer. It came after a a video emerged of him saying “spit-roast” at a Strictly photocall which, it was claimed, was in relation to Janette.

After the video was released of the star making the comment, the 53-year-old released a statement apologising for his words. “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise,” a statement from Evans read.

Evans now tells the Sun that the comment “absolutely wasn’t meant sexually – and the fact I used ‘boy’, all right it’s nuanced, but it shows I was talking to Jamie, NOT Janette.”

Wynne revealed that at the time, his phone was blowing up with calls from his team, the tour team and Strictly team, in which he said: “Oh god, I’m so sorry.” Wynne claims this was taken as a formal apology and released by the press team.

He also claims he was “horrified” when he read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, saying it “validated” the story.

A BBC Studios spokesperson said: ‘Any statement issued on Wynne Evans’ behalf was fully approved by Wynne Evans.’

Wynne was axed from the tour and suspended from the BBC just two days after the original story ran – on his 53rd birthday (January 27). However, the star claims he learnt through reading the article in the Sun and later discovered his BBC pass had been deactivated with no warning.

On January 28, Wynne took to his Instagram to release his own apology, which said: “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.

“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.”

Just two days before the photocall, Wynne tragically lost his brother Huw, and said he was “a grieving mess”. On January 8, the star paid tribute to his “gorgeous eldest brother” Huw, as he announced his death.

“I’m so sad to say that my gorgeous eldest brother has passed away. My big brother was my hero and my inspiration,” Wynne wrote on Instagram.

“Huw my darling I will miss you so much and am so glad I got to have you with me all my life,” the opera singer emotionally concluded.

Wynne has also came under fire during the live shows last year, after it was noticed that he placed his hand on Katya’s waist – which she immediately removed.

After, the duo took to social media to claim their exchange was simply an “inside” joke and wasn’t to be taken seriously.

Now, Wynne has explained the “inside” joke further, telling the publication that the pair agreed to take part in a bod language experiment to see if people noticed.

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