Just a couple of months ago, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was passionately defending Strictly Come Dancing, urging fans and producers alike to protect the show after 20 successful years.
Now, that very same Jamie finds himself tangled in a scandal that’s shaken the show yet again—this time involving a sex toy video with fellow contestant Wynne Evans.
In February, while performing at the Strictly Live Tour final at London’s O2 Arena, Jamie praised the show and called for it to be cherished.
“Strictly is such a fantastic show,” he told the crowd, “We love it, and it brings so much entertainment to people.” But behind the curtain, things weren’t quite so polished.
Wynne Evans and the Joke That Went Too Far
The controversy actually started when Wynne Evans, known widely as the Go Compare opera singer, was booted off the tour.
Why? Because he cracked an inappropriate joke during the show’s press launch—suggesting a sexual scenario involving presenter Janette Manrara.
Even though Janette didn’t lodge a complaint, the footage didn’t sit well with the BBC, and Wynne was swiftly shown the door.
But the story didn’t end there.
Sex Toy Video Pushes the Boundaries Further
Now, a newly uncovered video has only added fuel to the fire.
In the clip, Jamie is seen holding up a sex toy reportedly sent to him by Wynne, joking about the surprise package.
The scene plays out backstage at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena just two days after Wynne made the controversial threesome joke.
Wynne, shirtless and rehearsing with pro dancer Neil Jones, appears in the background while Jamie laughs and jokes about the gag gift.
According to reports, the clip was shared in the Strictly contestants’ WhatsApp group—raising more than a few eyebrows.
BBC Steps In with a Stern Warning
Needless to say, BBC bosses were not amused. They addressed the incident quickly and reminded both Wynne and Jamie that Strictly is, at its core, a family show.
“Extremely immature and inappropriate,” one insider said, especially considering the show’s wide audience.
Apparently, some cast members didn’t find the video funny at all, calling it crude and out of place for the professional environment the BBC expects.
Wynne Evans Hints at Telling His Side
Despite being at the center of the scandal, Wynne isn’t staying quiet. In fact, he’s been teasing a tell-all of sorts on social media.
Using hashtags like #truthwins and #cantwaittotellthetruth, he’s suggested that he feels unfairly treated and is ready to set the record straight.
He’s also hinted that the joke which got him into trouble was actually an inside reference known to many in the Strictly cast—one that was often laughed about behind the scenes.
Friends Say He’s Hurt and Fighting to Rebuild
Those close to Wynne say he’s deeply hurt by the fallout and surprised that no one came to his defense.
His girlfriend, Liz Brookes, is reportedly standing by him as he prepares for a potential legal battle with the BBC.
It’s been reported that Wynne’s legal team has put together a 30-page dossier to argue his case.
And while he’s been absent from his BBC Radio Wales show since the controversy broke, he’s said to be fighting hard to get back to the job he loves.
Struggles Behind the Scenes
In the weeks since, Wynne has turned to running and bike riding to help manage his mental health.
Posting exhausted selfies after workouts and urging followers to “stay positive,” he’s tried to keep his spirits up—even sharing the occasional gin with friends like fellow Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins.
But the emotional toll of being dropped from brand deals and stepping away from his radio work is clear.
The scandal has not only affected his career—it’s left his reputation hanging in the balance.
More Drama in the Wings
As if things couldn’t get more controversial, Wynne is now set to perform at the Wight Proms festival this summer alongside none other than Giovanni Pernice, another Strictly figure who’s been at the center of backstage drama.
Whether this appearance marks a comeback—or stirs up more headlines—remains to be seen.
But for now, it’s clear that Wynne isn’t backing down quietly.
A Show Worth Saving or a Show in Crisis?
Jamie’s heartfelt comments back in February painted Strictly as a beloved institution.
But between backstage jokes gone wrong and shocking video leaks, it’s clear the show is battling a wave of controversy behind the scenes.
The question now is: Can the BBC get ahead of it? Or is Strictly in danger of losing the family-friendly magic that’s made it a Saturday night staple?