Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has reportedly enlisted the same crisis PR specialist previously used by dismissed dancer Graziano Di Prima in a determined effort to salvage his reputation.
The 53-year-old opera singer, widely recognised for his appearances in the Go Compare adverts, confirmed he is stepping down from the Strictly live tour after becoming the focus of media scrutiny.
This followed reports that he joked offensively at tour host Janette Manrara during their opening event in Birmingham.
As she approached the group for a photo opportunity, the Welsh performer boomed out: “Go Compare,” then jestingly cautioned: “Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick].”
It was at this moment he made the distasteful “spit roast” reference, a term linked to a vulgar sexual act, and he subsequently extended an apology for his remark before his dismissal from the live tour was confirmed.
In a recent statement, he declared: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that I’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,” Wynne added.
In a whirlwind of negative attention, which also includes past criticisms over how he positioned his hand on Katya Jones‘ hip, it’s been said he’s secured the professional services of the same crisis PR expert brought in by former Strictly celebrity Graziano Di Prima, who faced dismissal due to maltreatment allegations involving his dance partner Zara McDermott, reports the Mirror.
According to MailOnline, PR guru Mark Borkowski recommended that Graziano maintain a low profile and safeguard his mental well-being, an approach that may be equally applicable to Wynne.
While he has stepped back from the live tour and his radio gig, the question of his ongoing association with Go Compare remains unanswered.
Wynne, renowned for portraying the moustachioed Gio Compario in the iconic adverts for the insurance aggregator since 2009, allegedly banks an impressive £200,000 annually from the campaign. He has previously expressed that the omnipresent ads have “changed his life”.
Yet now, company chiefs are said to be in “crisis talks” regarding his future involvement following an incident where he made an inappropriate comment towards dancer Janette at this months Strictly tour kickoff.
An insider via The Sun claimed: “His deal with them hangs by a thread. Wynne is so popular with viewers, so it will be a very difficult decision, but the feeling is it’s challenging to retain him.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.express.co.uk ’
