Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick face backlash for shocking behaviour on Strictly Come Dancing

In early 2024, an incident at the British television show Strictly Come Dancing caused significant controversy. Wynne Evans, an opera singer and contestant, engaged in inappropriate behavior with fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick, an actor known for his role in EastEnders. This behavior included a lewd joke about a sex toy and the sharing of a video that was described as immature and inappropriate for a family show. The video was shared in a group chat among participants and eventually reached the BBC management, who were reportedly shocked and horrified. The backlash led to Evans being removed from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in January, following inappropriate comments made during a photocall with presenter Janette Manrara and Borthwick, which caused emotional discomfort for Borthwick. Evans later expressed regret for his actions, stating that he would be taking time for self-reflection, as he acknowledged the pain caused by his behavior. The fallout from the scandal further reportedly affected Borthwick's personal life, leading to his girlfriend, Chloe, ending their relationship after witnessing the incident, reinforcing her concerns about Borthwick's maturity and prioritization. This event underscores the challenges faced by participants in reality television, where public scrutiny often accompanies their actions both on and off-screen. The BBC, in light of previous accusations of bullying and inappropriate behavior on the show, had implemented duty-of-care measures for the 2024 series, including the presence of welfare specialists and chaperones in rehearsal rooms to ensure a professional environment.