Wynne Evans taking 'time off' from BBC Radio Wales show after apologising for ‘unacceptable’ remark

The Welsh radio presenter and opera singer had been touring with the Strictly Come Dancing live show after competing on the BBC One programme last year. Credit: PA Images

Wynne Evans will be taking some "time off" from his radio show on BBC Radio Wales after he apologised for an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark made during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour launch earlier this month.

The Welsh radio presenter and opera singer had been touring with the Strictly Come Dancing live show after competing on the BBC One programme with dance partner Katya Jones last year.

The Mail on Sunday reported that Mr Evans was heard making a sexualised remark to a woman in a video filmed during the tour's launch event on 16 January.

The PA news agency understands he was given a warning over the remark by tour producers.

In a statement released over the weekend, Mr Evans said: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise.”

A spokesman for the Strictly live tour and BBC Studios said: “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.”

BBC Wales have confirmed that Mr Evans is now taking some time off from his show on BBC Radio Wales, and Robin Morgan will be presenting in his place.

Wynne Evans was paired with professional dancer Katya Jones for the 2024 series of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Credit: PA Images

An episode from Wynne Evans and Joanna Page's 'All At Sea' series is still scheduled to air on BBC One on Monday evening.

Mr Evans missed dancing on the Strictly tour in Glasgow on Saturday due to an ankle injury but is hoping to return.

He shared images of his bruised ankle in a story on Instagram on Saturday evening, saying: “Ankle’s getting a bit better, it was great to be able to sing in Glasgow tonight, even if I couldn’t dance, hopefully back tomorrow.

“But watch this space, I’ll let you know in the morning. See how the swelling goes down, and all that kind of stuff, thanks for all the lovely messages, amazing.”

In October, Wynne Evans and Katya Jones apologised for a “joke” that saw her move Evans’ hand from her waist during the BBC show.

In another moment, Jones appeared to not want to high-five her celebrity partner, which they explained as “a running joke”.

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The BBC announced new measures to "strengthen welfare and support" on Strictly last July after some contestants had complained about the behaviour of their professional dancer partners towards them.

Chaperones were put in place during rehearsals following the BBC review.

Evans, a BBC Radio Wales presenter, also performed in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera and won 2023’s Celebrity MasterChef.

He was eliminated during the Blackpool week of Strictly last year.

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