October 19th 2024.
Next in our lineup is Wynne Evans, a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing who seems to have all the qualities needed to win the competition. He's relatable, charming, and surprisingly skilled at dancing, not to mention quite funny. At least, he can be when he wants to be.
Together with his partner Katya Jones, Wynne was well on his way to the finale until a slip-up during filming caused an uproar among viewers. In an attempt at an inside joke, Wynne familiarly placed his arm around Katya's waist, which understandably shocked and appalled the audience. Despite their quick apology and explanation, it was clear that the joke had missed the mark, as it failed to amuse any of the 7 million viewers who tuned in.
Personally, I am a big fan of Wynne. I love how he has become one of the unexpected highlights of this season's Strictly, especially considering the initial reaction to his participation was often met with confusion and questions of "wait, isn't he the Go Compare Man?" He brings a magical quality to the show and if he manages to survive this weekend's elimination, I have no doubt that his unfortunate joke will soon be forgotten.
However, in the midst of a year filled with controversy for Strictly Come Dancing, joking about being too familiar with colleagues is the last thing the show needs. Earlier this season, two popular professional dancers were let go after reports of bullying and harassment surfaced. As a longtime fan of the show, I had my doubts about whether it should even continue this year. The show's reputation had been tarnished and it would take some time for viewers to trust that the fun and joy of Strictly was not just an act.
One of the biggest concerns raised by these incidents was the possibility of a toxic culture behind the scenes of Strictly. And while the joke may have been meant as an innocent inside joke, it does little to reassure viewers that there isn't a misogynistic element among the cast when the cameras are off. Of course, I highly doubt that Wynne himself is part of this toxic culture, as he has become one of the most beloved contestants of this season. He is genuinely grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a popular and prestigious show.
So, I hope that the doubts surrounding Wynne will soon fade away and that he will continue to capture the true spirit of Strictly. His mistake may have been a misjudged attempt at humor, but in the grand scheme of things, it pales in comparison to the more serious issues that have plagued the show. Unfortunately, the timing of his joke couldn't have been worse. The BBC has faced criticism for being too slow to take action when complaints are made, and this incident only adds to that perception.
Katya has stood by Wynne, pleading with the public to see him for who he truly is and not as a caricature of a misogynistic man. And while I do believe that he should not face any severe consequences for his joke, it's clear that it has affected his standing in the competition. Once a frontrunner for the Glitterball trophy, he is now at risk of being eliminated this Sunday. But regardless of the outcome, I hope that viewers can see past his mistake and continue to support him, as he truly embodies the spirit of Strictly.
As for whether or not Wynne should be reprimanded by the BBC for his inappropriate joke, I believe that the backlash and potential loss of votes is punishment enough. However, it is important to acknowledge and address the issue of workplace harassment, as it is a very real threat for women every day. In this instance, Katya has repeatedly stated that she never felt uncomfortable or offended by Wynne's actions, but the fact that it was seen as a joke is still a cause for concern.
In the end, it will be up to the public to decide whether or not Wynne deserves to stay in the competition. I truly hope that they will see past this mistake and continue to support him, as he is one of the most exciting and genuine contestants this season. Regardless of the outcome, I believe that the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing should use this incident as a reminder to always be vigilant and ensure that the show remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all involved. After all, as the tagline goes, we should all just "keep dancing".
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