JB Gill has broken his silence following co-star Wynne Evans’ axing from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.
The opera singer, 52, was axed from Strictly’s live concert dates after his sexual jibe towards former BBC One show pro Janette Manrara, 41 – which was caught on both film and camera.
Wynne was dropped from the show after a sexual jibe towards former pro Janette Manrara[/caption]
It then emerged how Wynne is fighting to save his Go Compare job and BBC travel show amid concern for his wellbeing in general.
JLS star JB, 38, told The Sun that Wynne had been going through a “tough time” but hopes he’ll bounce back from recent events.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, JB said: “When you’re part of a cast like that, it’s always difficult when you see someone go and obviously the circumstances kind of speak for themselves and I can’t comment on that. But it is sad when you’re part of a big group.”
When asked if Wynne’s would be able to bounce back, JB said: “I hope so, I’ve not been in direct contact with him, but I think he’s going through a bit of a tough time at the minute.
“Obviously I’m wishing him well and hoping he’ll be able to come back.”
Speaking about the Strictly tour, JB said: “It was amazing, I absolutely loved it. It was full on – last night was the 25th time I’ve performed to a sold out O2 and it was the first time my kids were able to come and see me dance since doing Strictly, because they’re a bit young to come to the live shows. It was a special occasion.
“This time last year I didn’t know if I was going to do Strictly but ended up being involved in this series and the way we finished it was amazing.
“There were so many different moments that stand out for me – from doing my week one dance at the top of the leaderboard with Amy, and having to overcome challenges [swapping partners].
“I remember the final went by in a blur and winning the Samba – there were so many amazing moments.”
The Strictly Come Dancing tour became overshadowed by Wynne being dropped from the show.
CRUDE COMMENT
The BBC Radio Wales anchor let slip the shock remark at the start of the Strictly live tour shows before pulling out of the Glasgow performance, citing an ankle injury.
He was heard suggesting a threesome with mum-of-one Janette, using the derogatory term “spit roast.”
It came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, when the Go Compare singer reportedly made a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick as Janette moved between them — which is when he allegedly made the joke.
BBC and Strictly Live producers said: “We have made it clear to Wynne we do not tolerate such behaviour on tour.”
At the time, Janette’s spokeswoman said she had been “unaware of this comment.”
Wynne was then spotted brushing off the scandal as he was seen singing on stage – despite being unable to dance.
Yet after bosses kicked him off the tour, he issued his own statement to apologise.
Wynne Evans’ Strictly scandals
‘Grope’
Wynne encountered a backlash after his Strictly pro partner Katya was filmed removing his hand from her waist.
Fans insisted she looked uncomfortable as she moved it away – but Katya later insisted there was no problem.
In joke
They then sparked further fury, when she was seen refusing to high-five the Opera singer.
The duo were quick to issue a video apology and insisted it was all an innocent “inside joke”.
Crude joke
Wynne came under fire for allegedly telling a “crude” joke to one of the show’s make-up artists.
Insiders claim the opera star made a joke that the folds of his double chin “looked like a vagina”.
A source said: “It was a bit of a vulgar dad joke.”
Vile comment
Wynne was recorded suggesting a three-way sex session with presenter Janette Manrara, using the term “spit roast”.
His remark came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, which pro Janette, 41, is hosting.
He reportedly pulled a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick as Janette moved between them — which is when Evans allegedly made the joke.
Wynne has apologised saying: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
Wynne apologised for his conduct in a statement on Tuesday and said: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that l’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.”
Dad of two Wynne is sadly no stranger to a TV scandal.
Wynne previously came under fire in last year’s Strictly series when he was seen groping his dance partner Katya Jones, but they dismissed it as a joke.
