BBC backs Wynne Evans after sexual jibe but new show is 'deeply unfortunate'
BBC backs Wynne Evans after sexual jibe but new show is 'deeply unfortunate'
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The BBC is backing Wynne Evans despite sexual outburst shame - by continuing with his primetime slot on BBC1. Insiders at the Corporation have privately described the timing of the new travel show with Joanna Page as “deeply unfortunate”. The first episode of Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea was due to air tonight on BBC One - just days after he was forced to apologise after being filmed using the crudely offensive term “spitroast,” during a photocall for the Strictly tour. “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise,” he said at the weekend.
The remark was allegedly directed towards professional dancer and television presenter Janette Manrara. It was met by awkward laughter from the rest of the cast and a wince from co-star Jamie Borthwick. Evans was also issued with a warning as to his future behaviour. He has also stepped back from his BBC Wales radio show for the time being.
Despite the controversy, the BBC are nonetheless committed to his new series which sees him and Page sail along the Welsh coastline over six episodes. A source said: “The timing of this is deeply unfortunate…the comments were idiotic and have clearly overshadowed the first episode. What on earth was he thinking?”.
A spokesperson for the Strictly Live Tour and BBC Studios said of his crude remarks: “We were not previously aware of the remark and did not receive any complaints. We have made it very clear to Wynne that we do not tolerate such behaviour on the tour.” This isn’t the first time Evans has come under fire.
