Slider1
Slider2
Slider3
Slider4
previous arrow
next arrow

Archive May 4, 2025

Strictly’s Wynne Evans claims recording of grim sex slur was ‘manipulated’

Strictly Come Dancing’s Wynne Evans hits back at claims he made a sexual slur against his co-star Janette Manrara as he accuses the press of manipulating the video

Strictly’s Wynne Evans has claimed the video of him making a sexual slur was ‘manipulated’

Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has claimed that a video taken of him making a sexual slur against professional dancer Janette Manrara was “manipulated.” The opera singer, 53, best known for his Go Compare adverts, was caught on camera in January making a vile “spit roast” remark towards a co-star.

The footage shows Wynne standing in the middle of a line-up of the entire cast in Birmingham as Janette, who is the host of the BBC spin-off show It Takes Two, is asked to join them.

Wynne was recorded making an inappropriate sexual comment to Janette Manrara, who acts as host on the tour, when she walked over to the group. He sang out: “Go Compare,” before adding: “Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick].” He then used the hugely demeaning term “spit roast” in reference to a lewd sexual act.

Strictly's Wynne Evans has claimed the video of him making a sexual slur was 'manipulated'
Strictly’s Wynne Evans has claimed the video of him making a sexual slur was ‘manipulated’(Image: Getty Images)

At the time, Evans said in a statement to the Mirror: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.” He was seen with the tour cast as they turned up to Liverpool after having to pull out of the Glasgow shows due to an injury. However, he was later pulled from the tour entirely.

Yet Wynne appears to have made a U-turn by denying making the comments caught on camera.

Article continues below

And fans were not quick to jump to his defence, instead one person took to Facebook and wrote: “You did say that awful comment about a woman just doing her job. “

They continued: “It was caught on camera. So how could the press have manipulated that?”

They added: “I’m sure you are sorry you’ve been caught and there’s footage to prove that disgusting thing you said. But how can you blame the press for something you did?”

Wynne replied: “The audio was manipulated. I didn’t say what they said.”

He then later followed up on his denial and wrote: “Thank you everyone for your support I promise you I have done nothing wrong, it’s been a manipulation and totally changing of the narrative of private conversations by the press.”

Following the video, Wynne pulled out of the nationwide tour and is also on a break from his BBC Wales show.

The broadcaster has launched an investigation into his behaviour and the conclusion is believed to be revealed in a couple of weeks.

A BBC spokesperson previously confirmed they had spoken to Wynne and stated they “do not tolerate such behaviour.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the live tour 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.”

Article continues below

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Le Creuset iconic rainbow mugs below £8 in deal cheaper than Amazon Prime Day

Strictly’s Wynne Evans claims recording of grim sex slur was ‘manipulated’

Wynne Evans, the co-star of Strictly Come Dancing, refutes claims that he allegedly abused his co-star Janette Manrara in a sexual slur.

Wynne Evans of Strictly claims that the video of him slurring was “manipulated.”

Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has claimed that a video taken of him making a sexual slur against professional dancer Janette Manrara was “manipulated.” The opera singer, 53, best known for his Go Compare adverts, was caught on camera in January making a vile “spit roast” remark towards a co-star.

The footage shows Wynne standing in the middle of a line-up of the entire cast in Birmingham as Janette, who is the host of the BBC spin-off show It Takes Two, is asked to join them.

When Wynne approached the group, she was caught making an inappropriate sexual remark to Janette Manrara, the tour’s host. Before adding, “Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick],” he sang the song “Go Compare.” Then, in reference to a lewd sexual act, he made the incredibly offensive term “spit roast.”

Wynne Evans of Strictly claims that the video of him slurring was
Wynne Evans of Strictly claims that the video of him slurring was “manipulated.”(Image: Getty Images)

At the time, Evans said in a statement to the Mirror: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.” He was seen with the tour cast as they turned up to Liverpool after having to pull out of the Glasgow shows due to an injury. However, he was later pulled from the tour entirely.

Wynne, however, appears to have made a U-turn by refuting the comments that were made public.

Continue reading the article.

And fans were not quick to jump to his defence, instead one person took to Facebook and wrote: “You did say that awful comment about a woman just doing her job. “

It was recorded on camera, they continued. How then could that have been manipulated by the press?

They continued, “I’m sure you’re sorry you’ve been caught and there’s evidence to support your disgusting statement.” But how can you hold the press accountable for your actions?

Wynne responded, “The audio was manipulated. I abdicated what they said.

He later retorted his denial and said, “Thank you everyone for your support, I promise you I have done nothing wrong. It’s been a manipulation and completely altering the narrative of private conversations by the press.”

Wynne is taking a break from his BBC Wales show and has already pulled out of the national tour following the video.

The broadcaster has begun an investigation into his behavior, which is expected to be made public in a few weeks.

A BBC spokesperson previously confirmed that Wynne and a spokesperson for the BBC “do not tolerate such behavior.”

Meanwhile, a live tour spokesman said: “We did not previously receive any complaints about the remark.” We have made it very clear to Wynne that we will not tolerate such conduct on the tour.

Continue reading the article.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Le Creuset iconic rainbow mugs below £8 in deal cheaper than Amazon Prime Day

‘Why is it happening in my sport?’ – Skorts row a ‘career low’

Inpho

The Kilkenny and Dublin teams were forced to switch into skorts on Saturday, ending a longstanding conflict between camogie players over the right to wear shorts before their Leinster Championship semi-final could begin.

The rules for camogie, the women’s equivalent of hurling, require a skirt, skort, a pair of shorts with an overlapping fabric panel that resembles a front-to-back skirt, or a divided skirt.

This is in contrast to the prohibition of shorts in women’s gaelic football.

Aisling Maher, the captain of Dublin, posted on social media that “Career low for me today when 60 plus players who are ready to play a championship game in shorts are told their match will be abandoned.”

Following two motions that were defeated at the sport’s annual congress last year, the Camogie Association of Ireland is in close contact with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). A second challenge to the rule won’t be brought up until 2027.

Both teams had agreed to wear shorts to the Blanchardstown field as a form of protest against the rule, but the referee informed them that the game would be abandoned if the players did not change.

Why is this occurring in my sport?

After the game, which Kilkenny won 4-11 to 2-22, Maher said, “I love this game, but I’m sick of being forced to wear a skort that’s uncomfortable and unfit for purpose.”

How are female athletes still required to request that they don shorts while competing at the highest level possible?

Norway’s beach handball team was fined in 2021 for playing in a European championship match while wearing shorts rather than bikini bottoms. A rule was changed to allow women to wear short, tight pants.

Because I’m a girl, no one in my life has ever told me to wear something similar to a skirt. Why is this taking place in my sport? added Maher.

related subjects

  • Gaelic Games
  • Northern Ireland is a sport

Skorts row a ‘career low’ says Dublin camogie star

Inpho

An ongoing battle by camogie players over the right to wear shorts came to a head on Saturday when the Kilkenny and Dublin teams were forced to change into skorts before their Leinster Championship semi-final could go ahead.

The rules governing playing gear for camogie, the women’s equivalent of hurling, state that it must include skirt, skort – a pair of shorts with an overlapping fabric panel which resembles a skirt covering the front – or a divided skirt.

This is in contrast to women’s gaelic football where shorts are allowed.

“Career low for me today when 60 plus players ready to play a championship game in shorts are told their match will be abandoned if every player doesn’t change into skorts”, Dublin captain Aisling Maher posted on social media.

Camogie is governed by the Camogie Association of Ireland, closely linked to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and another challenge to the rule cannot be brought until 2027 after two motions were defeated at the sport’s annual congress last year.

Kilkenny and Dublin took to the field at Blanchardstown wearing shorts, a decision both teams had agreed on as a form of protest against the rule, but were told by the referee that the game would be abandoned if the players did not change.

‘ Why is this happening in my sport? ‘

“I love this game, but I am sick of being forced to wear a skort that is uncomfortable and unfit for purpose”, Maher added after the match, which Kilkenny won 4-11 to 2-22.

“How are female players still having to push for permission to wear shorts while they compete at the highest level of their sport”.

In 2021, Norway’s beach handball team was fined for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms at a European championship match. This brought a rule change where women can now wear short tight pants.

“In no other facet of my life does someone dictate that I have to wear something resembling a skirt because I am a girl. Why is it happening in my sport”? Maher added.

Related topics

  • Gaelic Games
  • Northern Ireland Sport

Kerr claims first slam win and $100,000 in Miami

Getty Images

Britain’s Josh Kerr claimed his first Grand Slam Track title and $100,000 (£75,000) in prize money thanks to a fifth-place finish in the 800m at the second event of the series in Miami.

World 1500m champion Kerr won the 1500m in the men’s short distance category on Friday to take the maximum 12 points from that race.

Points from the 1500m and 800m are combined to produce an overall winner.

The 27-year-old Scot finished level on 16 points with American Yared Nuguse after their performances in the 800m, but Kerr took the overall win based on having the highest individual finish.

Canada’s Olympic silver medallist Marco Arop won the men’s 800m in one minute and 43.69 seconds, ahead of American Nuguse (1:43.75) who also finished runner-up in the 1500m.

After his start to 2025 was disrupted by illness and injury, Olympic 1500m silver medallist Kerr showed he is returning to form by clocking a personal best 1:45.01 over two laps on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, American Olympic 100m bronze medallist Melissa Jefferson-Wooden pipped Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas to victory in the women’s short sprints group.

Thomas ran a season’s best 21.95 seconds to win her favoured event after finishing fourth in the 100m on Friday, but 100m winner Jefferson-Wooden produced a 200m personal best of 22.15 for third to win by one point.

Britain’s Daryll Neita placed eighth in 22.93.

In the men’s long sprints, Matthew Hudson-Smith ran 44.37 for third in the 400m, finishing fifth overall after placing seventh in the 200m.

The final day of Grand Slam Track action in Miami sees Britain’s George Mills aim for victory in the men’s long distance discipline as he races over 5,000m after his third-place finish in the 3,000m.

Zharnel Hughes races over 200m after placing fourth in the 100m, while in the women’s long sprints group Amber Anning competes in the 200m.

Related topics

  • Athletics

7 easy to style and comfy to wear co-ords from high street brands like Reserved and Joules

The best summer outfits are the ‘co-ords,’ and we’ve found the best ones from brands like Joules, Forever New, and Joules.

Best co-ords for summer from M&S, Joules and more(Image: Mirror)

Co-ords have become a staple in the spring and summer, and it seems like they won’t be back anytime soon. A matching set might be your best friend if you’re having trouble putting together outfits in the morning.

They make dressing simple (ideal for those rushed mornings), and they also allow you to pair each piece of clothing with your existing wardrobe, giving you even more value for your buck.

We’ve rounded up the best co-ords right now for everything from workdays to beachside getaways, including a fashionable Reserved selection for a holiday.

READ MORE: The price of the “miracle product” Olaplex, which has been approved by hairdressers, is now less than £20.

Read more: Nobody’s Child dress by Louise Thompson is a must-have for the spring and summer.

ALBARAY

Albaray linen co-ord set
Albaray linen co-ord set (Image: Albaray )

In the warmer months, you can’t go wrong with a linen matching set. This stylish fabric, which is lightweight and breathable, will keep you cool all summer long. A great summertime outfit with a waistcoat and skirt.

SHOP THE LOOK: A matching skirt and a waistcoat cost $59 each.

EVER NEW

The perfect holiday set
The perfect holiday set(Image: Forever New)

This lemon co-ord from Forever New will be right up your alley if you’re planning a European vacation and want those “dolce vita” vibes in your outfit. The best part is that you can pair them with other holiday clothing.

SHOP THE LOOK: This item costs $55 and a matching skirt costs $70.

RESERVED

A great pop of colour
A great pop of colour (Image: Reserved)

This jewel-tone green set from Reserved is the ideal substitute if you prefer to live in minimalist, neutral tones. It is playful, fun, and bright while still maintaining a sense of chicness.

SHOP THE LOOK: Cropped blouse, £27.99 here, and matching skirt, £35.99 here

SPENCER and MARKS

Stripes are always on trend
Stripes are always on trend(Image: M&S)

This set is the ideal combination of stripes and brown, which are both a big color trend this year. Dress up for the office with a pair of chunky loafers and a suede jacket for the office, or go more formal with a pair of white trainers.

Similar striped shirt costs $35 here, and similar pants cost $35 here.

JOULES

Dress this versatile co-ord up or down
Dress this versatile co-ord up or down(Image: Joules)

As previously mentioned, stripes always look good and are in style. This Joules set is so versatile that it can experiment with different colors while still remaining chic and easy to wear.

SHOP THE LOOK: A linen-blend top costs $39 here, and a pair of matching pants costs $64 here.

KAREN MILLEN

A chic take on double denim
A chic take on double denim(Image: Karen Millen)

If you want to fit into the well-known cowboycore trend, denim on denim is the best option. And this Karen Millen set is the best because it’s a sophisticated, sophisticated interpretation of a Canadian tuxedo.

A pair of matching jeans and a jacket from SHOP THE LOOK costs $99.

ME + EM =

ME + EM = is a celeb-loved British brand
ME + EM = is a celeb-loved British brand(Image: ME + EM =)

With big celeb fans, ME + EM = has cemented itself as a must-have high-end British label, and we love their stylish, classy pieces. This smock top and skirt co ord is the perfect spring/summer set

Smock top and maxi skirt co-ord, £200, available here.

Continue reading the article.