HOW Do You Solve A Problem Like [Ave] Maria?
It’s a question that’ll be keeping BBC bosses up at night as they deal with the fall-out of opera singer, Wynne Evans.
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The Welshman, who famously covered Schubert’s banger on his 2011 number 1 classical album, has left the corporation facing its biggest dilemma to date.
Coming less than a year after the Giovani Pernice scandal – one that threatened the very future of the show – Strictly bosses fear the fall-out to this latest unfolding saga could be even worse.
Indeed, according to one well-placed source, the mood in camp is precarious to say the least.
Splinter WhatsApp groups have formed, with celebs from previous series’ and pros setting up smaller, more confined chats with only trusted members.
I’m told bookers will find it harder to get stars once again, and that execs will be incredibly ruthless with who they allow through the vetting process.
“In 2025, the BBC was absolutely desperate to lose its toxicity,” says an insider.
“Alas, in the wake of this latest fiasco, quite the opposite has happened.
“Stars are paranoid about leaked WhatsApp messages, which are usually banter-filled, being released and they’re scared they’re going to have to be purer than the driven snow in order to not risk cancellation.
“They’ve been forming new ‘splinter’ groups, cutting anyone they don’t trust.
“Plus, of course, if the BBC axe Wynne, where on earth do they draw the line on what is deemed unacceptable behaviour??
“It sets a very dangerous precedent and the feeling now is perhaps they should give Wynne a second chance.
“He has been receiving a lot of support from fans.”
A decision on Wynne – who was filmed on camera saying “Old spitroast boy” to Jamie was due to be made this week but The Sun understands this will likely now be delayed.
His lawyers have submitted a raft of evidence which they firmly believe should exonerate the 53-year-old.
If the BBC axe Wynne, where on earth do they draw the line on what is deemed unacceptable behaviour?
Insider
A source added: “The investigation is still ongoing and the BBC have to get the outcome right – they face a lot of pressure from a lot of people.
“They’re not in an enviable position and, of course, they’re doing their best to get things right.”
‘Thrown under a bus’
It comes as The Sun revealed that Wynne is set to launch a dramatic comeback against the BBC with a dossier of evidence that he hopes will clear his name.
It includes video and screenshots which the opera singer’s pals insist prove he is not guilty of making an inappropriate sexual comment while on the show.
Investigators have also been sent a video – which the BBC itself suppressed – where dance partner Katya Jones, 35, explicitly clears him over the “gropegate” scandal.
The star fears he is being used as a scapegoat for the BBC’s past mistakes and his friends believe the Beeb has an agenda against him.
By contrast, they said Go Compare – whose adverts propelled him to fame – is standing by him.
It comes after the BBC battled a barrage of bad publicity over pro dancer Giovanni Pernice’s alleged bad behaviour on the ballroom dance show the series before.
Last night a friend said: “These past few months have been absolutely torrid for Wynne. He has had his name dragged through the mud.
“He feels he’s been thrown under a bus and left to fend for himself.”
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