Strictly star Wynne Evans' girlfriend Liz Brookes is reportedly standing by him after he withdrew from the live tour - despite initial reports the couple had split due to the scandal. Earlier this week, the opera singer, 53, stepped down from the tour after coming under fire for making a vile remark aimed at Janette Manrara. According to The Mirror, the 50-year-old events manager is 'massively' supporting him throughout this 'very tough period'.

A source told the publication: 'Everyone is rallying around Wynne - Liz included. It's a very rare testing time and he is appreciative of all of the love and support he is getting.'. It comes as Wynne's friends have allegedly insisted that his career has not been destroyed and claimed his 'spit-roast' slur was only 'schoolboy comedy'. He has since agreed with the BBC to step away from the tour and any other work commitments to 'take some time out' as the inappropriate jibe looks set to sink his entire career.

Strictly star Wynne Evans' girlfriend Liz Brookes is reportedly standing by him after he withdrew from the live tour (pictured). It comes despite initial reports the couple had split due to the scandal. Wynne is taking a break from his BBC Wales radio show with comedian Robin Morgan, who has covered for him in the past, presenting in his place. He is also reportedly trying to salvage his infamous spot with Go Compare, whom he has worked with since 2009, as he risks losing his six-figure salary.

And the Beeb has faced criticism from viewers over the decision to continued airing his new show All At Sea, which he co-hosts with Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page. However according to reports, his pals are insistent that Wynne will weather the storm of the current scandal and will see his career recover. According to The Mirror, one friend has defended the star from the backlash he's received, by blaming it on Wynne's 'terrible sense of humour'.

They told the publication: 'At the end of the day, he has been a bit of an oaf and made a stupid mistake but does he deserve such hatred?. 'Yes, using the term spit-roast was absolutely wrong, and he realises this. His problem is that he is a joker and he continually wants to play to the crowd. It's just schoolboy comedy.'. The pal added: 'Talk of his career ending is premature - at the end of the day, his radio show is very popular, and he is very much liked.'.

It was initially reported that Wynne split from his girlfriend after she was left 'humiliated' by his latest scandal. A source told the publication: 'Everyone is rallying around Wynne - Liz included. It's a very rare testing time and he is appreciative of all of the love and support he is getting'. It comes as Wynne's friends have allegedly insisted that his career has not been destroyed and claimed his 'spit-roast' slur was only 'schoolboy comedy'.

The pair had begun dating in the spring of last year following the break up of his 16 year marriage. Despite his tumultous time on Strictly, Liz supported Wynne throughout his time on the show and was often spotted cheering him on from the audience and sharing a sweet snap of them together, where she gushed she was 'proud' of him. However, according to The Sun, she was 'humiliated' by his scandals on the show last year - notably his awkward 'hand wandering' moment with dance partner Katya Jones.

A TV insider has claimed that when the new broke about his latest X-rated remark, she was 'relieved' that they had split. They told the publication: 'Although she loyally stood by him in public, Liz was humiliated by what happened when he was on Strictly. She always knew he was a bit old school, and actually liked the fact he seemed rough round the edges. She just assumed it was all part of his charm.

'It was very difficult for Liz, but she continued to back him throughout the rest of the contest, often being seen in the audience enthusiastically applauding him right up to him being knocked out in Blackpool week in November. 'It's not clear exactly when they split, but friends say that when his latest lewd gaffe was revealed at the Strictly Live Tour launch she was relieved they were no longer together.'.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Wynne for comment. Wynne was caught on film by The Mail on Sunday making a vile sexual comment about It Takes Two presenter Janette during a photocall to launch the tour. His 'inappropriate' language allegedly took place at his BBC Wales radio show and during filming on his new travel show Wynne & Joanna: All At Sea. It comes after the Welsh star, famed for playing a portly Italian opera singer in a string of insurance ads for Go Compare, confirmed his departure from the Strictly live tour in a grovelling statement.

He 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.'.