Wynne Evans told Nick Ferrari on LBC on Friday that he will regret for the rest of his life a controversial remark he made during Strictly Come Dancing, as the BBC confirmed it would not renew his rolling contract after an internal review of the incident at a photocall for the Strictly live tour. The incident, which occurred earlier this year, drew a swift rebuke from BBC bosses who said they would not tolerate such behavior. Evans did offer an apology at the time, but later claimed he was compelled to apologise and insisted the remark was not a sexual jibe, saying he used the term “spit roast” as a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick rather than targeting host Janette Manrara.
Following an investigation into his conduct, the BBC told Evans they would not be renewing his yearly rolling contract, effectively ending his radio show with the broadcaster. Evans, now hosting a radio program on his own website, has since continued to engage with audiences online and through a fans club that offers memberships and exclusive perks.
In the Friday interview, Evans said he accepted accountability for what he said and acknowledged the level of scrutiny that accompanies life in the public eye. He told LBC, “I said the word so I should have accountability for that, and I wasn’t ready for that level of scrutiny, and I shouldn’t have done it. And that’s it. I totally take that as my responsibility and something that I shouldn’t have done, and I will regret that for the rest of my life.” He added that losing work across singing, television and radio has been a difficult consequence to endure, especially at his age, and he expressed a wish that he had left Strictly earlier when his mental health began to suffer. “You cannot get your head around the press and media interest that there is in this show. So everything you do is under scrutiny,” he said, while praising the show itself.
The interview comes amid broader, longstanding media coverage of the Strictly Come Dancing jostle for influence behind the scenes. An unnamed member of the show was described by insiders as having a central role in this year’s series, despite an external investigation reportedly launched by the BBC in July. A source said the BBC remained loyal to that individual and ensured they remained central to the production, even as other elements of the story drew public and press scrutiny. Reports from tabloids have also cited internal tensions and competing pressures within the organization as it navigates the fallout from the wider controversy.
In addition to the workplace disclosures, Evans’s own account has included references to prior reports that he submitted information to the BBC through his legal team about alleged drug use on the show. The Sun, citing unnamed sources, reported that Evans had made a legal submission to the BBC about such alleged activity in March this year via his law firm Russells. Evans has since moved his personal broadcasting forward with a website–based radio show and a supporters club that offers fans a chance to contribute as “Wynners” and access perks such as priority bookings and a quarterly newsletter.
The broader arc of Evans’s career since his exit from the BBC has included promotions of live appearances and remote broadcasts, with the Welsh residence he’s advertised as a focal point for prize draws. He has offered followers a chance to win a long weekend at his house in Wales, a three-bedroom property in Llansteffan, where the prize is designed to accommodate up to six guests. As the culture and entertainment press continues to track the Strictly legacy, Evans’s remarks, the BBC’s handling of internal inquiries, and the ongoing business of his own media ventures remain a focal point for fans and industry watchers alike.