Wynne Evans KEEPS director role for prestigious charity after Strictly axe and BBC rap
WYNNE Evans remains as the director of a prestigious opera company following his axing from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.
The tenor, 53, who is widely known for starring in Go Compare adverts, was removed from the production after making a crude joke to co-stars Jamie Borthwick and Janette Manrara.
He has since taken a break from his BBC Radio Wales show after the threesome gag which saw him use the term “spit roast”.
Despite the furore, Wynne remains on the board of directors for Grange Park Opera in Surrey.
He was first appointed as a director in March 2020. Latest accounts for the performing arts group show over £14million in total funds, with just under £3million in cash reserves.
For the financial year of 2023 it earned £3,963,814 and paid out £3,580,615 in expenditure.
The lavish five-tiered opera house is located in picturesque woodland and features seating sourced from the Royal Opera House.
As well as esteemed performances, Grange Park also promotes education in regards to the history of the Grange Park site and the wider operatic community.
The Sun contacted a representative for Grange Park Opera for comment.
Days ago we revealed Wynne has appointed top law firm Russells lawyers over his axing.
Sources say he is being advised over the potential to sue for breach of contract and loss of earnings.
It comes as he prepares to face BBC bosses over his inappropriate remarks.
A source close to him said: “He’s been in a bad way all week and his brother and partner have looked after him.
“He’s appointed an expensive law firm to take advice on potentially losing his jobs.”
Last week, he said: “I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection.”
Execs at Go Compare, whose TV ads Wynne has fronted since 2009, are understood to have held crisis meetings on his future.
They pay the Welsh-born singer around £200,000 a year.
It has also been reported broadcast union Bectu warned the BBC about his behaviour when he was chosen for Strictly last year.
Last month, the BBC launched a six-part series starring Evans called Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea.
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.”