Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly looking to sign up a Celebs Go Dating and Married At First Sight UK expert to the show
Celebs Go Dating and MAFS expert ‘in talks to join Strictly Come Dancing’(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly looking to sign up Celebs Go Dating and Married At First Sight expert Paul C Brunson for the upcoming series of the BBC dance competition. While the show doesn’t return until later this year, there have already been rumours on who could be trying their hand on the dance floor.
It has been claimed relationship expert and TV host Paul could be joining the show. The star became known to UK fans thanks to his appearances on CGD and MAFS UK, but recently starred alongside Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden for Netflix’s reality series, Cheat: Unfinished Business.
Bosses are reportedly hoping to get Paul to sign up for the show(Image: Matt Monfredi / Channel 4)
Speaking to The Sun about why bosses want to sign Paul onto the show, an insider claimed: “Paul would be the ideal tonic to the dark clouds over Strictly as he’s clean-cut, very intelligent and has no scandals to worry about.
“They are now in discussion but he’s met with producers a number of times.” The Mirror have reached out to the BBC for comment.
Earlier this week, the same publication claimed bosses want Sir Mo Farah on the show as he’s a “genuine national treasure”.
It’s claimed that bosses are also hoping for Sir Mo Farah(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
His personality would provide the perfect tonic to the toxicity that’s overshadowed Strictly. Bosses would love to sign him up but the talks are at a very early stage.”
In recent times, Strictly Come Dancing dealt with numerous scandals. After 2023’s series, Amanda Abbington accused professional dancer partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying.
Around the same time, Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show. But reports emerged over the summer claiming that the Italian dancer had kicked and hit Zara, 27, which he strongly denies.
He later admitted that his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.” Most recently, Wynne Evans was axed from the Strictly live tour over his behaviour.
Wynne appeared on This Morning recently to speak about his series of scandals while on the BBC show – and revealed that the negative attention had taken a severe toll on his mental health.
“I was at my lowest ebb, I wanted to end my life. I would have if I hadn’t been surrounded by people,” he said to the TV show’s hosts.
The dancer is on the lookout for famous faces to join the BBC show and reveals which pair he’s tried to sign up
Gorka Marquez is using his Soccer Aid debut to line up celebs for Strictly(Image: PA)
Gorka Marquez is using his Soccer Aid debut to recruit celebrities for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing – and has two big names in his sights. The professional dancer takes to the pitch for the charity match tonight at Old Trafford and admits he’s being scouting for talent in the process.
Tapping up marathon legend Sir Mo Farah, 42, and presenter Big Zuu, 29, Gorka reckons they’d both be perfect additions to the BBC show. “I should be the new casting director,” laughed Gorka, 34. “I was saying to Mo Farah he should do it. The nation loves him. He is such a great inspiration for us. So him on Strictly, such a legend, and I think because he has the stamina, he’s light on his feet, he’d be brilliant. Big Zuu too. I said to him a few months ago, and today I said it again, ‘You would win Strictly,” I said, ‘and I’ll dance with you.’ He’s hilarious and he can move. He’s very good.”
Gorka lines up for the World XI FC team tonight as they take on England in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match. England took the crown last summer and fan favourites including Lioness Jill Scott and singer Tom Grennan will be back as well new signings including boxer Tyson Fury and former England goalkeeper Joe Hart. One Direction star Louis Tomlinson returns as does Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney.
Gorka says he won’t be shirking from the tough tackles – even with Strictly just one month away. “Dancers are so robust,” he said. “We get injured and we carry on dancing, you know? We’re used to having injuries and niggles so I will be fine. I mean, I touch wood. No one gets injured. I don’t get injured. In a month of time, I’m starting Strictly so I’d hopefully be careful.”
Gorka has been impressed with Sir Mo Farah’s fancy footwork on the pitch and thinks he’d be a great on Strictly(Image: PA)
Competitive Gorka says he the celebs might be pals off the pitch, but they won’t be on it. “I’m going in,” vowed Gorka. “We wanna win, you know? We’re friends now but there’s no friends on Sunday.” Taking no prisoners, Gorka says he won’t be afraid to take on his idols. “For example, if I have to tackle Paul Scholes, I’d tackle him, then I will go, ‘I’m so sorry. Big fan!” he laughed.
Speaking at the team’s training session at Champneys in Tring, Herts, Spanish dancer Gorka said he’s was loving being involved and helping a worthwhile cause in the process. “I just feel like a bit like an imposter syndrome being here,” he admits.
“There are so many people that I admired growing up, professional footballers and celebrities like Steven Bartlett, I listen to his podcast every day. I’m very privileged and it’s so for such a great cause, raising money for children so they can have the basic things that we take for granted.”
Big Zuu has also been tapped up by Gorka (Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Dad-of-two Gorka says he could pass for a footballer with his skills and look. “When I was growing up, I was playing football until I was 14 and then I choose dancing,” he explained. “A lot of people said I could have been a footballer. They say I look more like one than a dancer because of my tattoos. With dancing, you have to have co coordination. You have to change your rhythms, have speed, stamina, so it pays off on the pitch.”
Gorka says fiance Gemma and kid Mia and Thiago will be watching his Soccer Aid debut from home(Image: UKTV/Mark Forrer)
But he says don’t bet on him scoring any goals. “When I’m in front of the goalkeeper, I might have the wrong foot to score, because I’m like a penguin!” laughed Gorka, who says fiancé Gemma Atkinson, 40, and their two children Mia, five, and Thiago, one, will be watching from home.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 will take place on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford, Manchester and will be shown live exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Donate to UNICEF ahead of the match at socceraid.org.uk/donate. This year, thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, every donation you make to Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be doubled – up to £5 million.
Former Olympian and star of Gladiators Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – better known as Nitro – is expected to appear as a contestant in the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing
23:04, 14 Jun 2025Updated 23:05, 14 Jun 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Gladiator star Nitro, is expected to join the cast of Strictly in 2025(Image: Getty Images)
Gladiators star Nitro has been signed up to star in the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing. The 36-year-old, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, has some prior experience on the hit BBC show.
He was a contestant in the 2024 Christmas special where he was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33. The pair impressed the judges are were one of the highest scoring couples, scooping an impressive 37 points for their Street/Commercial performance.
The former Olympic sprinter impressed bosses who are now hoping to secure him for a full season of the long-running dance contest – which will be in its 23rd season this year. There are hopes he will be able to work around his busy schedule that relates to Gladiators – which traditionally films across the summer.
While Strictly usually begins airing in August each year, the contestants are secured weeks in advance and immediately begin training in an effort to gain confidence on the dance floor ahead of the live shows beginning.
A source has told The Sun: “Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn’t get the timings to marry up with his work.”
Harry appeared in the 2024 Christmas special where he danced with Nancy Hu(Image: BBC Studios/Guy Levy)
The source continues: “He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing.”
The source also explained that they hoped Nitro’s inclusion could attract a whole new range of fans to Strictly – as bosses are hoping to capitalize on the family friendly success of Gladiators. The Mirror has contacted the BBC and representatives of Harry for comment.
Strictly has continued to draw scorn and scandal in recent years after accusations of abuse by professional dancers and star signings disgracing themselves with ungentlemanly behaviour. Last year, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans raised eyebrows when he ran his hands over dancer Katy Jones.
He later caused scandal during the 2025 Strictly Live Tour when crude comments he made behind the scenes were made public. Fellow 2024 star Jamie Borthwick was engulfed in scandal this month as it was revealed he used a derogatory term to describe the people of Blackpool when the BBC show filmed there.
A dark cloud hovered over Striclty last year when actress Amanda Abbington made accusations she was abused by professional dancer Giovani Pernice. A BBC investigation was held while Giovanni walked away from the show while protesting his innocence.
Fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima admitted he kicked celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals and he left the BBC show.
Strictly is expected to continue this year, with judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood all set to return. It may be the final time that Craig takes up a seat at the table as he has long vowed to quit the series after he turned 60.
With that landmark passed this year, some fans fear he could retire at the conclusion of the upcoming season. However, the star appeared to backtrack on his promise last year.
He told The Mirror: “I have no intention of quitting because it’s a fantastic Saturday job that I intend to do into my 80s, as long as I’m still compos mentis, darling! and if I haven’t been cancelled before then!”
Actor Gary Oldman has been knighted alongside David Beckham on a King’s Birthday Honours list that also recognises Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The Oscar winner and the former football England captain are among 19 new sirs, while 21 damehoods have been announced, including singer and actress Elaine Paige and Regeneration novelist Pat Barker.
There are MBEs for teenage world darts champion Luke Littler and Love Island star Georgia Harrison for her work on online privacy and cyber crime.
Overall, 1,200 people are on the main honours listed issued by the Cabinet Office, of which 48% are women. The youngest person being honoured is 11 while the oldest is 106.
The list features a range of well-known names, including from the arts, politics and sports, but it is primarily made up of people being recognised for their work in the community, including campaigners and fundraisers.
Actor Sir Gary has enjoyed an illustrious career on screen and stage since the early 1980s and in 2018, won best actor at the Academy Awards for playing wartime prime minister Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. More recently, he won acclaim for his portrayal of an MI5 agent in Apple TV’s Slow Horses.
Daly and Winkleman are made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to broadcasting.
Both have had a long association with Strictly, which has aired 22 series. Daly started as a co-presenter with Sir Bruce Forsyth in the first season in 2004, while Winkleman originally hosted a spin-off programme. They have hosted the main show as a duo since 2014.
“I am ridiculously lucky and will celebrate with Tess by doing a paso doble,” Winkleman said.
Daly said she almost missed out on accepting the honour after the letter was sent to the wrong address – and added that she cried when she opened the envelope.
Sir David’s knighthood for services to sport and charity has been confirmed, having been widely reported earlier this month. The 50-year-old ex-footballer said he was “immensely proud”.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003, and became an ambassador for Unicef in 2005 and for The King’s Foundation last year, supporting King Charles’ education programme and efforts to promote nature.
“I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment,” Beckham said.
Evita star Dame Elaine also received her honour for services to music and charity. “I’ve been very lucky in my life and my career, I’m in a very privileged position,” she told the BBC. “When you are in a position to help others, that is something I wanted to do.”
Getty Images
Dame Elaine says she has been “very lucky” in her life and career
Sir Roger Daltrey, frontman of 1960s-formed rock group The Who and a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust – known for its annual fundraising concerts at the Royal Albert Hall – has been knighted for services to charity and music.
Sir Roger said he was accepting the knighthood “on behalf of all those unsung people who had worked to make the charity the success it had become”.
Love Island star Georgia Harrison has been made an MBE for her work campaigning on online privacy and cyber crime
“Speaking out after what happened wasn’t easy, but I knew it was important,” Harrison said. “I didn’t want anyone else to feel as alone or powerless as I did. I’ve tried to turn something painful into something positive, and this honour is a reminder that we can make change when we use our voices.”
Darts player Luke Littler, 18 – the youngest winner of the PDC World Darts Championship – appears on the list with one of his main rivals – Premier League Darts champion Luke Humphries, 30, who also became an MBE. There is an OBE for veteran star of the sport Deta Hedman, 65, who is recognised for her contribution to sport and charity.
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Darts rivals Luke Littler and Luke Humphries both became MBEs
The honours system
Commonly-awarded ranks
Companion of Honour – Limited to 65 people. Recipients wear the initials CH after their name
Knight or Dame
CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire
OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire
MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire
BEM – British Empire Medal
The Birthday Honours are awarded by the King following recommendations by the prime minister, senior government ministers and members of the public.
From the political world, there are damehoods for former Conservative cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt, who had a memorable role holding a ceremonial sword at the King’s coronation in 2023, and Labour’s Chi Onwurah, the MP for Newcastle Upon Tyne Central and West. There is also a knighthood for Labour’s Mark Tami, the Alyn and Deeside MP.
Labour Glasgow MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy, the first permanent wheelchair user to be elected to Holyrood, has become an MBE for her public and political service.
Yui Mok/PA Wire; Ken Jack/Getty Images
Penny Mordaunt, who held a ceremonial sword at the King’s coronation in 2023, is being made a dame, while Labour Glasgow MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy has been made an MBE
Sir Philip Barton, the former top civil servant at the Foreign Office, who has previously received multiple royal honours, has become a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to British foreign policy, while former Conservative health minister and MP for Lewes Maria Caulfield has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for political and public service.
The Foreign Office has announced an additional honours recognising the work of overseas residents or service abroad, and there are separate lists covering gallantry awards and for service personnel in the military.
Business leaders on the list include Nationwide chief executive Debbie Crosbie, who has been made a dame. Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie and Specsavers co-founder and chairman Douglas Perkins have both become CBEs.
Three trade union leaders are being recognised, with Dave Ward, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), and Dr Patrick Roach, the general secretary of the NASUWT teachers’ union, being made CBEs, while Sue Ferns, deputy general secretary of the civil service union Prospect, is made an OBE.
Musicians Steve Winwood and 10cc’s Graham Gouldman are both made MBEs, while there are OBEs for Stuart Worden, head of the BRIT School since 2021, and BBC Proms director David Pickard.
BBC radio presenter Martha Kearney, who hosted her final episode of the Today Programme in summer 2024, has been made a CBE for services to journalism and broadcasting.
Jeff Overs/BBC
Martha Kearney hosted her final episode of the Today Programme in summer 2024
Others from the world of stage and screen on the list include veteran theatrical star Jane Lapotaire, who is made a CBE. Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh and Bafta winner Samantha Morton are among the new MBEs, while former EastEnders star Anita Dobson‘s OBE recognises her work in charitable fundraising and philanthropy.
Another former EastEnders actress, Tracy-Ann Oberman, is made an MBE for services to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism.
The sport stars recognised include former Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade – a CBE for services to tennis and charity – and double Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alistair Brownlee and former cricketer Devon Malcolm, who both become OBEs.
Rugby League legend Billy Boston is also named on the list, making him the first person from the sport to receive a knighthood in its 130-year history. The 90-year-old trailblazer for black sports stars, who played for Wigan and Great Britain in the 1950s and 1960s, received his knighthood earlier this week because of concerns over his health.
Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Rugby League legend Billy Boston received his knighthood from the King earlier this week
Meanwhile, Angel of the North sculptor Sir Antony Gormley and physicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell have joined the elite Companions of Honour, an exclusive group limited to only 65 recipients at any one time.
But most people on the Birthday Honours list are being recognised for their work in the community.
After Samantha Madgin was murdered in Tyne and Wear in 2007, her sister Carly Barrett and mother Alison Magdin set up Samantha’s Legacy to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives. The pair are now MBEs.
Zahrah Mahmood, the president of Ramblers Scotland who is known on social media as the Hillwalking Hijabi, has been made an MBE for her contribution to voluntary service in Scotland. She is using her position as president to focus on diversity and inclusion within the outdoor community.
“If this recognition helps a little to show that the outdoors is for everyone, that would mean the world to me,” Mrs Mahmood says. “But I’m also aware that visibility is often the first step. I would love to play a small part in continuing to move things in the right direction.
Zahrah Mahmood/PA Wire
Zahrah Mahmood is known on social media as the Hillwalking Hijabi
John and Lorna Norgrove have been made OBEs for services to women and children abroad and in Scotland after they set up a charity in memory of their daughter Linda, an aid worker who was kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan in September 2010 and died in an attempted rescue the following month.
“We dedicate this honour to all those brave women who remain in Afghanistan, or who have made the decision to leave their homes and families behind to move abroad and continue their studies and careers,” the couple said. “Their struggle continues and they are the real heroes of this story.”
And Duncan and Caroline Speirs and their daughter Jenna Speirs from the Isle of Bute all receive British Empire Medals for their work through Calum’s Cabin, which provides holiday homes for children facing cancer, after their son Calum died in 2007.
The oldest person to be honoured on the list is 106-year-old World War Two veteran Norman Irwin, who served in North Africa and is being given a British Empire Medal (BEM). After returning to Northern Ireland, he formed the Coleraine Winemakers Club in the early 1960s, and also went on to become one of the founders of the town’s Rotary Club and the Agivey Anglers Association.
Family handout/PA; Lucy Chillery-Watson/PA
Norman Irwin, a106-year-old World War Two veteran, is the oldest person to be featured on the birthday honours list, while muscular dystrophy fundraiser Carmela Chillery-Watson is the youngest, at 11
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Carmela Chillery-Watson, from Dorset, is the youngest person on the list. Miss Chillery-Watson, who has LMNA congenital muscular dystrophy, has become the youngest-ever person to be made an MBE, in recognition of her fundraising and awareness campaigns for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
“I never thought anything like this would happen,” she said. “I just want to make a difference to the disability community, to be able to show them: you’re strong, you can do whatever you want.”
EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick has been dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a vile disabled slur on the set of Strictly.
The actor 30, apologised for “any offence and upset” after aiming the sick jibe at Blackpool locals.
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Jamie Borthwick was dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a sickening disabled slur on the Strictly setCredit: BBC
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EastEnders star Borthwick issued a grovelling apology after his offensive comment emerged on a videoCredit: BBC
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The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders
Disability equality charity Scope said the remarks were “ignorant and hurtful”, adding: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.”
The EastEnders star was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of him on the Strictly set using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed.
Blackpool Council’s Tory group leader Paul Galley blasted: “Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”
And the BBC told The Sun on Sunday: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.”
Read More on JAMIE BORTHWICK
The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders.
Jamie made the offensive remark on a mobile phone video while the Strictly cast and crew were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the flagship BBC1 series live show.
He was backstage during rehearsals with his Strictly co-star Wynne Evans who said “Oh my God” on the footage sent to a pal of Jamie’s.
Jamie, who has been on EastEnders since 2006, said in a statement to The Sun on Sunday: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.
“I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.
“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning.
Strictly’s Jamie Borthwick cheated on me during the show and then used co-star to try and smooth it over, ex tells pals
“That is on me completely.
“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did.
“It was wrong.
“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment.
“Again, that is no excuse.
“But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.
“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself.
“The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.
“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come.
“I am truly sorry.”
The actor and Wynne were sharing their excitement after being told they were selected for the lucrative Strictly tour – which was staged nationwide earlier this year.
Jamie, laughing, says on the video: “Blackpool by the way. “Absolute m********s’.”
The soap star and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were lauded in Blackpool after dancing the Jive to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup in the live show on November 16.
Borthwick pictured with dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas on StrictlyCredit: PA
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The comments sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of BlackpoolCredit: Alamy
And it follows The Sun on Sunday revealing in April how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a joke over a sex toy video backstage at the Strictly tour in Birmingham – which happened before the latter’s suspension.
Now Jamie is at the centre of a new storm after The Sun on Sunday alerted his team and the BBC to the latest video.
It sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of Blackpool.
Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope said: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.
“It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences.
“Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street.
It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street
Warren Kirwan, Scope
“Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better.
“We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”
Councillor Paul Galley, Blackpool Council’s Conservative group leader, condemned Jamie Borthwick’s comments.
He said: “Blackpool’s best asset is its amazing people, along with the millions of people from around the UK who genuinely love the town.
“Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”
Meanwhile, a source explained how the Blackpool show is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Strictly series – with celebs and pro dancers often saying how much they enjoy performing there.
The source added: “This will be considered a real blow and hugely embarrassing to the BBC and the show’s very warm relationship with the people of Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”
Wynne Evans has opened up on how he found out he had been axed from the Strictly Come Dancing tour – just days after he lost his brother
23:12, 24 May 2025Updated 23:22, 24 May 2025
Wynne Evans opens up on Strictly tour axe(Image: Instagram/@wynneevans)
Wynne Evans has spoken out about being removed from the Strictly Come Dancing tour – and ‘how’ he found out about his axe after comments towards professional dancer Janette Manrara. During this time, the star says he was a “grieving mess” after losing his older brother Huw.
The opera singer was axed from the live tour earlier this year after he made a crude remark about the dancer. It came after a a video emerged of him saying “spit-roast” at a Strictly photocall which, it was claimed, was in relation to Janette.
After the video was released of the star making the comment, the 53-year-old released a statement apologising for his words. “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise,” a statement from Evans read.
Wynne was axed from the Strictly tour earlier this year(Image: BBC)
Evans now tells the Sun that the comment “absolutely wasn’t meant sexually – and the fact I used ‘boy’, all right it’s nuanced, but it shows I was talking to Jamie, NOT Janette.”
Wynne revealed that at the time, his phone was blowing up with calls from his team, the tour team and Strictly team, in which he said: “Oh god, I’m so sorry.” Wynne claims this was taken as a formal apology and released by the press team.
He also claims he was “horrified” when he read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, saying it “validated” the story.
A BBC Studios spokesperson said: ‘Any statement issued on Wynne Evans’ behalf was fully approved by Wynne Evans.’
Wynne was axed from the tour and suspended from the BBC just two days after the original story ran – on his 53rd birthday (January 27). However, the star claims he learnt through reading the article in the Sun and later discovered his BBC pass had been deactivated with no warning.
Wynne Evans shared the heartbreaking news of his older brother Huw’s passing, describing him as his ‘hero and inspiration’(Image: INSTAGRAM)
On January 28, Wynne took to his Instagram to release his own apology, which said: “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.”
Just two days before the photocall, Wynne tragically lost his brother Huw, and said he was “a grieving mess”. On January 8, the star paid tribute to his “gorgeous eldest brother” Huw, as he announced his death.
“I’m so sad to say that my gorgeous eldest brother has passed away. My big brother was my hero and my inspiration,” Wynne wrote on Instagram.
“Huw my darling I will miss you so much and am so glad I got to have you with me all my life,” the opera singer emotionally concluded.
Wynne has also came under fire during the live shows last year, after it was noticed that he placed his hand on Katya’s waist – which she immediately removed.
After, the duo took to social media to claim their exchange was simply an “inside” joke and wasn’t to be taken seriously.
Now, Wynne has explained the “inside” joke further, telling the publication that the pair agreed to take part in a bod language experiment to see if people noticed.
On Monday, she released an emotional statement on her retirement.
In it, she said: “My days of being a jockey have come to an end.
“I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years.
Emotional Rachael Blackmore reveals family tragedy days before Cheltenham Fesival as she dedicates win to cousin
“I just feel so lucky, to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible.
“It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey anymore… who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the career I’ve had.
“To have been in the right place at the right time with the right people, and to have gotten on the right horses – because it doesn’t matter how good you are without them.
“They have given me the best days of my life and to them I am most grateful.”
All your Strictly Come Dancing winners
Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
Rachael would follow in the footsteps of fellow jockey Richard Dunwoody if she scooped the Strictly gig, after his stint in sequins in 2009.
He previously told how he earned £9K in nine minutes when winning the Grand National – yet bagged a bigger pay cheque on the BBC One series.
Recently, The Sun reported how the Queen Camilla Parker Bowles’ son,Tom, is said to be in talks to compete on theBBC dancing competition.
Tom, 50, is a food writer and restaurant critic and has made regular appearances on MasterChef as a judge.
A source said: “Top of their wishlist is MasterChef star Tom. His name was also sounded-out last year but never materialised. Bosses hope they’ll have better luck this year.
“It would be a coup to sign someone with such a strong royal link. Maybe we could see Camilla and Charles in the audience?”
Made In Chelsea star and I’m A Celebrity winner Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo is also on the dance show’s radar.
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The Grand National winner would follow in the footsteps of fellow jockey Richard Dunwoody if she signed upCredit: AP
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The Queen’s son Tom Parker Bowles is also a name in the frameCredit: PA
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Comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell scooped the trophy in 2024Credit: PA
