Wynne Evans has reportedly been axed from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour after making a sexual comment during the launch.
The Welsh opera singer, 53, came under fire earlier this week for making an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark during the Strictly live tour launch in Birmingham.
Evans was heard making a sexual comment to dancer and tour host Janette Manrara in a video filmed during the event on January 16, The Mail On Sunday reported.
On Tuesday, sources said Evans has been told to take time off for “self reflection” after multiple “warnings” about his behaviour.
“He's had repeated warnings about his behaviour and told to reign it in. He's not been taking it in, in this day and age the BBC have to be seen taking action and safeguard everyone,” an insider told The Sun.
“He's had a tough time with the death of his brother and people should give him some slack, he is going to take this time off to do some self reflection.”
The source added: “He has a lot of support from a lot of the backstage dancers. It's been a really sad ending to what has been a really fun tour.”
The BBC will reportedly be releasing a statement later today. The Standard has contacted the broadcaster for comment.
There are 12 dates left on the tour and the cast are due to perform in Liverpool on Tuesday evening.
Evans, known for appearing on the Go.Compare insurance adverts, apologised for his sexual comment on Sunday, saying: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise.”
It is understood he was given a warning over the remark by tour producers.
A spokesman for the Strictly live tour and BBC Studios said: “We have made it very clear to Wynne that we do not tolerate such behaviour on the tour.”
He missed dancing on the Strictly tour in Glasgow on Saturday due to an apparent ankle injury, but he did sing.
The BBC announced on Monday that he is taking time off from presenting his BBC Radio Wales show.
Evans typically hosts a weekday morning music and chat radio on the station, but broadcaster Robin Morgan has been filling in for him this week.
This isn’t the first time Evans has faced scandal on Strictly.
Last year, the singer and his professional dance partner Katya Jones had to apologise for a “joke” that saw her move Evans’ hand from her waist during the dancing competition.
In another moment, Jones appeared to not want to high-five her celebrity partner, which they called “a running joke”.
Chaperones have been put in place during Strictly rehearsals after the BBC launched an investigation following contestants complaining about conduct in training.
