Wynne Evans has faced backlash over his new BBC travel show, All At Sea, after making a sexual remark on the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
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 Janette Manrara in a video filmed during the event on January 16, The Mail On Sunday reported.
The singer’s new six-part series All At Sea with Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page, 47, which shows the friends travelling the Welsh coast, aired on Monday night amid the controversy.
Enraged viewers blasted the BBC for pressing ahead with the show’s premiere and questioned why it wasn’t postponed.
“Why are we being forced to endure Wynne Evans?” one asked on X.
“Everyone hates the Go Compare ads but the BBC seem determined to make him a thing. Whoever runs their old white man department needs a gentle chat.”
Another added: “Just a thought BBC, but maybe this Wynne Evans #AllAtSea prime time claptrap could have been postponed for a while?”
A third posted: “Wynne Evans...get him off my b****y telly.”
The Standard has contacted representatives for Evans and the BBC for comment.
Evans, known for appearing on the Go.Compare insurance adverts, apologised for his Strictly 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.”
The BBC announced on Monday that he is taking time off from presenting his BBC Radio Wales show.
The broadcaster refused to reveal whether Evans had voluntarily taken leave from his programme on Monday or if he had been asked not to present.
Evans typically hosts a weekday morning music and chat radio on the station, but broadcaster Robin Morgan sat in for him on Monday during the 9am to midday slot.
He missed dancing on the Strictly tour in Glasgow on Saturday due to an ankle injury, but he did sing.
Evans and his professional dance partner Katya Jones previously had to apologise for a “joke” that saw her move Evans’ hand from her waist during the BBC show last year.
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 a review was launched by the BBC last year following contestants complaining about conduct in training.