Wynne Evans, the opera singer and well-known face from the Go Compare adverts, has finally spoken out about the storm caused by his so-called “spit roast” comment.
The 53-year-old has explained what really happened and insisted he was forced to apologise despite not meaning any harm.
What Sparked the Controversy at the Strictly Tour Launch
Back in January, during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in Birmingham, Wynne was caught on camera making a remark that quickly caused a media frenzy.
As presenter Janette Manrara joined the group of celebrities and dancers, Wynne warned her with a cheeky grin, “Not too close to Jamie!” Then, behind her back, he made the now infamous “spit roast” comment, which many interpreted as a crude sexual joke involving Janette.
The incident didn’t sit well with BBC bosses, who swiftly condemned Wynne’s behaviour, making it clear that such language wouldn’t be tolerated.
Wynne was suspended from the tour and an apology was issued on his behalf.
Wynne’s Explanation and His Side of the Story
Now, Wynne has revealed in an interview with The Sun that the phrase “spit roast” wasn’t aimed at Janette at all.
He says it was actually a playful nickname given to fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick.
Apparently, Jamie earned the name “spit-roast boy” because of his incredible flexibility, able to contort his legs over his head like a roasting chicken on a spit.
Wynne said, “I would be the first to apologise if I’d meant it in that double meaning way.
But I absolutely didn’t. The fact I said ‘boy’ shows I was talking about Jamie, not Janette.”
He stressed that the comment wasn’t a sexual innuendo aimed at the presenter.
The Forced Apology and Wynne’s Emotional Struggle
Although an apology was released shortly after the incident, Wynne says he didn’t even see the statement before it went public.
The official apology read, “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise.”
Wynne says his initial reaction was genuine remorse, thinking, “Oh God, I’m so sorry.”
This was then taken by his press team as a formal apology.
What followed was an incredibly difficult time for Wynne.
He revealed he was put under 24/7 suicide watch by a crisis team because of the overwhelming backlash.
Wynne also said he only learned he had been fired from Strictly Come Dancing when he read about it in the papers.
Describing the past months as “truly awful,” Wynne was keen to defend himself against accusations of misogyny.
He insisted his mistakes on the show were nothing more than pranks gone wrong, not malicious behaviour.
What Happened During the Incident According to Eyewitnesses
At the tour’s launch, Wynne was standing in a lineup with about 20 other stars.
When Janette was called over, Wynne’s warning to her about Jamie was caught on camera.
As Janette moved through, Wynne made a face behind her back, then made the controversial comment which was picked up by a reporter filming nearby.
Janette’s husband, dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, noticed something was off and asked her, “Darling, are you OK?” to which she replied tersely, “Yep.”
A spokesperson for Janette later said she had been unaware of Wynne’s comment at the time.
The Additional Groping Allegation and Clarification
Wynne was also accused of groping his dance partner Katya Jones during rehearsals.
The footage showed his hand moving over her waist in a way some found inappropriate.
However, both Wynne and Katya quickly dismissed it as a joke that was misunderstood.