Strictly Come Dancing stars Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick have found themselves at the centre of controversy following the emergence of a video that shows them joking backstage about a sex toy that Evans allegedly sent to Borthwick. The incident reportedly occurred during filming for last year's series of the popular dancing competition and was later shared in a group chat among cast members.
In the video, Borthwick, 30, is seen receiving a parcel from Evans while simultaneously filming himself on his device. It is claimed that the package contained the aforementioned sex toy. The footage appears to have been recorded shortly after another incident in which Evans suggested a group sex session involving presenter Janette Manrara and Borthwick during a photo call for the live tour's launch.
The Sun on Sunday reported that the clip shared by Borthwick within the Strictly celebrities’ WhatsApp group was subsequently brought to the attention of BBC executives, who described themselves as “horrified and shocked” by the content. According to sources, the BBC addressed the situation formally, issuing a reminder to both stars regarding the necessity of maintaining a professional conduct, particularly given that Strictly Come Dancing is considered a family entertainment show.
As part of the footage, viewers see Borthwick hold up a blurred item, saying, “Look at what he bought me,” with a gesture towards Evans, who is situated on the other side of the room. He adds, "It’s so funny,” sharing the awkwardness of the situation in light-hearted banter.
Witnesses to the incident conveyed that both men were “acting extremely immaturely and inappropriately” and that many crew members did not appreciate their sense of humour. As a precautionary measure, the BBC sought to resolve the issue quickly, unaware that the video had been distributed more widely outside the initial group.
In January, Wynne Evans was removed from the Strictly live tour following previous incidents, one of which had involved an ill-received comment made towards Manrara and Borthwick, causing concern among the team. In response to the backlash, Evans announced he would take “time out” from both his BBC Radio Wales show and the Strictly tour, expressing in a public statement his remorse for the distress caused by his actions. “I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection,” he said.
Adding to the controversies surrounding Evans, he previously drew criticism for another awkward moment during a live show. In a segment filmed in a backstage area known as the “Claudatorium,” Evans was seen placing his hand on his professional partner Katya Jones’s stomach, to which she reacted by moving his hand to her hip. This incident was later interpreted by viewers as problematic, further complicating his standing with the show. In defence of Evans, Jones had characterised their interactions as “silly inside jokes” and expressed disbelief at the media response, indicating that the incidents were misconstrued.
The situation surrounding Evans and Borthwick comes amid a wider context of scrutiny on the Strictly Come Dancing production, which faced past accusations of bullying and abusive behaviour that led to the dismissal of two professional dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima. In light of such issues, the BBC has introduced measures to enhance duty of care for participants in the upcoming 2024 series, including employing chaperones for rehearsals and integrating welfare specialists into the production team.
Source: Noah Wire Services