Wynne Evans is reportedly taking the BBC to a tribunal to put an end to the axing saga, but he'll need to do more to win back public support, according to a PR expert. After the Strictly Come Dancing star's sexual comment about a "spit-roast" during the Strictly tour's press launch was made public, he was axed from the live tour shows, with bosses at GoCompare, the insurance website he has fronted since 2009, said to be considering his future too.
Wynne, 53, is also taking time away from his BBC Wales radio show. According to a source speaking to The Sun, the singer believes he has been "knifed" by the BBC and is preparing to fight back. "Wynne's reputation has been left in tatters and he wants to try to seek some recompense," they said. "He said he is going to a tribunal with the BBC and will fight with every breath in his body. Wynne feels he has been treated unfairly and won't go down without a fight.
"As well as an unfair dismissal, Wynne thinks he has a case for loss of earnings, as well as a potential breach of contract. He is being advised by a legal team and thinks he has a strong case to take forward." The Mirror has contacted the BBC and a representative for Wynne Evans for comment. PR and personal branding expert Mayah Riaz, of Mayah Media, thinks the star's rumoured decision to take action against the channel is the right one when its comes to his reputation. "By taking the BBC to a tribunal, Wynne is trying to clear his name and claim compensation for losing work and potentially breaking his contract," she said. "This shows he's serious about fighting back.".
Mayah praised the opera singer's decision to take responsibility for his behaviour, which included a bizarre incident with his Strictly partner Katya Jones during the series, which saw her appear to swat away his hand round her waist. The couple insisted it was an in joke but then Wynne's controversial "spit-roast" remark was captured on camera. "He has apologised for his comment, admitting it was wrong, and has also stepped away from his BBC Radio Wales show to reflect and focus on his well-being," said the expert. "These are positive steps, showing he's taking responsibility.".
When it comes to fighting back, it all depends on the public's perception - do they believe he's really changed? "Winning back public support isn't easy," warned Mayah. "A legal battle could drag things out and keep the controversy in the spotlight for much longer. "People's opinions can also be hard to predict. The key to his redemption will be proving he has genuinely learned from this and showing consistent positive actions over time. Right now, he's on the right track but whether his plan works will depend on how he handles things moving forward and whether the public believes he has truly changed.".
