Wynne Evans was a no-show at his own birthday meal hours before he was reportedly axed from the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour after making an inappropriate remark at the press launch.
The Welsh singer, who is best known for starring the Go Compare insurance TV ads, failed to make an appearance at a fancy meal on Monday evening with his Strictly co-stars to celebrate his 53rd birthday.
A source told The Sun: “The gang were keen to do something for Wynne’s birthday because he’s had a hard time.
“They organised a cake for him and everything, but he didn’t show up.
“Everyone had a great time anyway but it was really sad he didn’t join them, but now they know he has been axed, it all makes sense.”
Evans is said to have been given his marching orders after being 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 had 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.
His woes don’t end there as 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.
