The Welsh opera singer, 53, was reportedly told to ‘keep smiling and carry on’ after the apparent injury
Wynne Evans is reportedly suing the production company behind Strictly Come Dancing for medical negligence after “breaking his foot” during the live tour.
The Welsh opera singer, made famous by the Go Compare adverts, left the Strictly live tour in January after he was caught making an obscene sexual remark to host and dancer Janette Manrara.
The 53-year-old apologised for the comment, left his BBC Radio Wales radio show, and largely withdrew from the limelight as the BBC launched a wide-ranging investigation into the incident.
In a fresh twist on the scandal, Evans is now believed to be suing Phil McIntyre Entertainments for personal injury, after he reportedly suffered a double fracture and two snapped ligaments but was told to keep dancing.
He was left in “agony” after tripping and falling off stage in Newcastle just days before he made the comment to Manrara, according to The Sun.
“He was basically strapped up, and told to keep smiling and carry on. He was in agony,” an insider said.
The source claimed he had to pull out of the Glasgow show the following night and his “foot started to swell up” the next day - just as his comment to Manrara hit the headlines.
The Celebrity MasterChef star reportedly got an MRI scan which showed he had a broken foot, fractured ankle and two snapped ligaments and is still having issues with walking pain-free now.
“Wynne's lawyers told him he had a legitimate injury claim - his physio costs are spiralling and he hasn't been allowed to work during this time. So he has decided to sue the production company, something that won't be affecting taxpayers,” the source stated.
Evans will be suing for “inadequate backstage medical provision” and also fighting for £11,000 in outstanding fees that he believes he is owed “for the dates he didn't perform at”, the outlet reported.
The Standard has contacted representatives for Evans and Phil McIntyre Entertainments for comment.
It comes amid Evans’ apparent bid to restore his reputation with the BBC.
Last month, it was reported that the TV personality handed over a “dossier” of evidence to the BBC following his removal from the Strictly tour.
He has submitted a collection of videos and screenshots to the broadcaster as part of a bid to prove his innocence, according to The Sun.
Sources close to the singer said he believes his reputation has been unfairly “left in tatters” despite issuing an apology.
Evans has maintained that the remark to Manrara — which was captured on video — was never directed at her. He claims other cast members were aware of the context at the time.
