Opera singer and Go Compare star Wynne Evans is preparing to take legal action against the BBC following his dismissal from Strictly Come Dancing’s live tour. 

The 53-year-old performer claims his reputation has been unfairly damaged and is seeking compensation for what he believes to be an unjust termination.

Evans, who has been the face of Go Compare advertisements since 2009, was dropped from the tour last month after making a controversial comment during a press event.

The remark, which referenced a “spit-roast,” was caught on camera and led to immediate backlash.

While Evans insists his words were misinterpreted and not directed at Strictly professional dancer Janette Manrara, the fallout resulted in his swift removal from the show.

Legal Battle Against the BBC

According to insiders, Evans believes he was treated unfairly and is determined to fight back.

“Wynne feels his reputation has been left in tatters and wants to seek justice,” a source revealed. “He believes he has grounds for an unfair dismissal case, as well as claims for loss of earnings and breach of contract.”

His legal team is currently preparing to take the case to a tribunal, where Evans hopes to prove that the BBC acted hastily in response to public criticism. “He has vowed to fight with every breath in his body,” the source added.

The Fallout from the “Spit-Roast” Comment

During the Strictly live tour’s press launch in Birmingham, Evans made the controversial comment, which was recorded on video. However, sources close to him insist that the remark was taken out of context and was not directed at Manrara.

“Wynne knows what he meant, and so do many of the dancers and celebrities who were there,” said an insider. “He is frustrated that the situation has been blown out of proportion and that no one has publicly defended him.”

While acknowledging that the language he used may have been inappropriate, Evans maintains that it was an “inside joke” that did not offend anyone at the time. Despite this, he was removed from the tour the day after the video surfaced.

BBC’s Response and Go Compare’s Crisis Talks

The BBC initially stated that it had not received any official complaints about Evans’ conduct. However, following public scrutiny, the corporation decided to remove him from the live shows.

In addition to his dismissal from Strictly’s tour, Evans has also been taken off the air from his BBC Wales radio show, raising further questions about his future with the broadcaster.

Meanwhile, executives at Go Compare are reportedly holding crisis meetings to determine how to handle the controversy surrounding their long-time brand ambassador. The insurance company has yet to make an official statement about his involvement in their advertising campaigns moving forward.

Previous Controversies and Public Backlash

This is not the first time Evans has faced scrutiny during his time on Strictly Come Dancing. During the most recent series, he was accused of inappropriate behavior after an incident involving his professional dance partner, Katya Jones. In one live broadcast, Evans was seen moving his hand along Jones’ waist before she appeared to swat it away.

Following the incident, the pair released a joint video stating that the moment had been taken out of context and was meant as a joke. However, reports later emerged that BBC executives had already been concerned about Evans’ use of inappropriate language on multiple occasions.

A close friend of Evans believes his dismissal was a knee-jerk reaction to public outrage rather than a justified decision. “Wynne feels like he has been thrown under the bus,” they said. “He believes the BBC was looking for a way to distance themselves from the controversy and acted without giving him a fair chance to explain.”

What’s Next for Wynne Evans?

As Evans prepares to take the BBC to a tribunal, his future in  television and entertainment remains uncertain. If his legal case moves forward, it could result in financial compensation or even a potential reinstatement. However, the damage to his public image may be harder to repair.

For now, Evans remains determined to clear his name and fight for what he believes is a wrongful dismissal. Whether his efforts will lead to a successful legal outcome or further distance him from the industry remains to be seen.