‘I’ll regret it for the rest of my life’, says Strictly’s Wynne Evans as he reflects on slur that got him axed from BBC

‘I’ll regret it for the rest of my life’, says Strictly’s Wynne Evans as he reflects on slur that got him axed from BBC

Wynne Evans, the charismatic star of "Strictly Come Dancing," has recently opened up about a career setback, expressing profound regret over a past incident that led to his departure from the BBC. The 53-year-old performer candidly admitted that a comment he made, containing a sexually suggestive slur, triggered a series of events that ultimately cost him his job.

In a recent interview, Evans reflected on the repercussions of his words, acknowledging the severity of the offense and the subsequent fallout. The incident, which involved using a term widely recognized as a derogatory slur, prompted a swift and decisive response from the BBC, resulting in the cancellation of his tour and the termination of his radio show.

The repercussions extended beyond his professional life, deeply impacting Evans' personal well-being. He described the experience as a devastating blow, acknowledging the immense loss of his singing engagements, radio show, and overall career.

Evans took full responsibility for his actions, stating, "I said the word, so I should have accountability for that." He expressed a lack of preparedness for the intense scrutiny that followed, admitting, "I wasn't ready for that level of scrutiny, and I shouldn't have done it."

Taking ownership of his mistake, Evans emphasized that he holds himself solely accountable for the incident and its consequences. He acknowledged the profound impact the incident had on his career and personal life, stating, "I see it as my responsibility and something that I shouldn't have done, and I will regret that for the rest of my life."

The incident occurred during a particularly vulnerable time in Evans' life. Just days before a scheduled photocall, he experienced the loss of his beloved pet, leaving him emotionally distraught. He candidly admitted that he was "a grieving mess" during that period, highlighting the personal challenges he faced alongside the professional pressures.

Compounding the distress, Evans learned of his termination through media reports, discovering the news in The Sun newspaper. Adding insult to injury, he later found that his BBC access pass had been deactivated without prior warning, leaving him feeling blindsided and discarded.

Wynne Evans on the This Morning TV show.

Evans also expressed remorse for not prioritizing his mental health during his time on "Strictly Come Dancing." He revealed that his mental well-being began to suffer during the live shows, leading him to regret not leaving the competition earlier.

He confessed, "The one thing I wish I'd done is, I wish I'd left when my mental health started to suffer, when I started to not feel comfortable in the situation." This highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health concerns, especially in high-pressure environments.

Amidst the challenging period, Evans expressed gratitude for the support he received from a crisis team. He acknowledged their invaluable assistance, stating that they monitored him around the clock for a month and ultimately "saved his life."

Evans' experience underscores the importance of accountability, responsible behavior, and prioritizing mental well-being. His willingness to publicly acknowledge his mistakes and express remorse serves as a reminder that everyone is capable of making errors and that learning from them is crucial for personal and professional growth.

It's also a stark reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of using offensive language, particularly slurs that perpetuate discrimination and harm.

The conversation surrounding Wynne Evans' experience also brings to light the critical issue of suicide and mental health, particularly in the UK. Startling statistics reveal that a life is lost to suicide every 90 minutes in the UK, affecting individuals from all walks of life.

Suicide does not discriminate, impacting people regardless of their background, profession, or social status. From those experiencing homelessness and unemployment to professionals like builders, doctors, reality stars, and footballers, no one is immune to the risk of suicide.

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones on Strictly Come Dancing.

Furthermore, suicide is the leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 35, surpassing the combined fatalities from cancer and car accidents. Tragically, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems.

Despite the alarming prevalence of suicide, it remains a taboo subject, shrouded in stigma and silence. This lack of open discussion perpetuates the crisis, allowing it to continue its deadly course unchecked.

Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, The Sun newspaper has launched the "You're Not Alone" campaign, dedicated to raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and providing practical advice for individuals struggling with their mental health.

The campaign aims to empower individuals to seek help when they need it and to create a supportive environment where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns. By sharing personal stories, expert advice, and resources, the campaign seeks to foster a sense of community and hope.

The "You're Not Alone" campaign encourages everyone to take an active role in preventing suicide by recognizing the signs of distress, offering support to those who are struggling, and connecting them with appropriate resources.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, remember that you are not alone and there is help available. Reach out to the following organizations for support:

Numerous organizations are dedicated to providing confidential and non-judgmental support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. These organizations offer a range of services, including telephone helplines, online resources, and face-to-face counseling.

By seeking help and breaking the silence surrounding mental health, we can collectively create a more supportive and compassionate society where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being and seek the assistance they need.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people who care and want to support you through your challenges. Don't hesitate to connect with a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member.