Strictly Come Dancing stars Jamie Borthwick and Wynne Evans have been reprimanded by BBC bosses over a “shocking” sex toy video filmed backstage during the show’s live tour.
The footage shows EastEnders actor Borthwick, 30, brandishing a sex toy sent to him by opera singer Evans, 53, as a joke.
Borthwick then shared the offensive clip on the Strictly celebrities’ WhatsApp group, which was obtained by The Sun.
The incident has deepened the scandal surrounding the popular BBC show, which has faced multiple controversies regarding backstage behaviour of Evans in recent months.
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In the video, Borthwick explains that the toy was sent to Birmingham’s Utilita Arena reception by Evans.
He smiles as he holds up the rubber toy, then points the camera at Evans who is practising topless with professional dancer Neil Jones.
“Look at what he bought me. I opened it up and he surprised me with this, didn’t he. It’s so funny,” Borthwick says in the clip.
A source told The Sun that the pair were “often playing pranks on each other” during the tour.
“Jamie giggles about it like a naughty schoolboy. They thought it was hilarious but others didn’t.
The source added that video was reportedly filmed in January, just two days after Evans was recorded making a vile sexual comment about professional dancer and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara.
The paper was also told: “As soon as BBC executives were made aware of this shocking and immature footage being shared they formally addressed the issue and reminded the pair they had to act professionally.
“The men were acting extremely immaturely and inappropriately, considering it was a family show, and many cast members didn’t share their crass sense of humour.
“Bosses were horrified and shocked, hoping to nip the issue in the bud, unaware the video had been shared more widely.”
Shortly after these incidents, Evans was axed from the Strictly live tour. The BBC and Strictly Live tour producers stated at the time: “We have made it clear to Wynne we do not tolerate such behaviour on tour.”
GB News has reached out to the BBC and representatives for Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick for comment.
Following the sacking, Evans issued an apology that his “language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
He also stepped back from his presenting duties on BBC Radio Wales in the wake of the scandal.
However, the Welshman was said to have felt “unfairly treated” by the BBC and was reportedly considering taking the organisation to a tribunal claiming reputational damage.
“As far as Wynne is concerned, he has been wronged. He understands the language he used was not appropriate but it’s all been taken so out of context,” a source told The Sun.
A showdown had to be postponed in February due to concerns over Evans’ mental health.
Recently, he posted a photo of himself swimming outside in a like with the caption: “I find cold water swimming helps with my mental health. Please look after each other.”
