Strictly's Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick in hot water over 's*x toy' video scandal

Strictly Come Dancing has been at the center of attention recently following a backstage incident between Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick. According to Independent, a WhatsApp group video circulating in the cast group chat had Borthwick opening a package that reportedly contained a s*x toy sent by Evans, as part of a private joke during the Strictly live tour.

This video was finally brought to the notice of the BBC executives, who deemed it unsuitable. Consequently, Evans and Borthwick were both officially reprimanded. This is the second controversy involving Evans, following a prior incident when he had made a comment on a tour photo shoot. He then commented on presenter Janette Manrara and Jamie Borthwick, which was subsequently labeled as inappropriate.

Evans apologized, admitting the comment was unacceptable. The pairing of these incidents has attracted scrutiny and raised questions regarding standards of conduct in the show's touring performances.

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What happened in the video?

The video in question was recorded during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour earlier this year. According to Independent, it shows Jamie Borthwick opening a package that reportedly contained a s*x toy. The parcel had been sent to him by Wynne Evans.

The censored clip captures Borthwick holding before the camera, in a beseeching voice, a fuzzily seen item and saying, "Look what he bought for me," yawning and looking at Evans across the room undergoing a costume fit.

The video was shared within a private WhatsApp group for the show's cast and crew. Once the BBC learned of the footage, both the people involved were addressed and warned about the propriety of their actions.

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Background of previous remarks

As per Independent, he had said,

"I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection"

The incident had already caused internal controversy before the emergence of the latest video.

It followed Evans' causing a stir with a hand gaffe "joke" during a live broadcast in October. In an incident recorded in a backstage room that had been nicknamed the "Claudatorium", Evans had reached out and placed his hand on professional dance partner Katya Jones's stomach. Jones had then hastily removed his hand and put it on her hip.

Later, a different clip was shared by viewers who noticed that Jones refused to give Evans a high five as she stood behind the show's co-host Claudia Winkleman. Jones turned her back to Evans and appeared to roll her eyes in his direction.

According to Independent, Jones came to Evans’ defence and said,

"The hand incident that happened on Saturday night was a very silly inside joke between Wynne and I, so even the idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended me in any way is complete nonsense."

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Reported personal implications

According to Independent reports, the incident may have also affected Borthwick's private life. It has been claimed that his relationship with his girlfriend, Chloe, broke down shortly after the video emerged.

In the wake of the outrage over both incidents, Wynne Evans has been said to have started putting together a dossier to officially reply to complaints made by the BBC.

Independent confirms that he could take legal action, claiming damage to his reputation.

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The BBC has not made a full public announcement on the incident but has discussed the same internally. With the broadcaster coming up with milestone anniversaries of its shows, including Strictly Come Dancing's forthcoming anniversary, issues related to professional standards among performers are likely to be an ongoing priority. Updates could follow as internal reviews proceed.

Also read: What did Wynne Evans say on tour? Singer issues apology over “inappropriate” sexual remark at Strictly live concert launch