Former Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has bravely revealed that he attempted to take his own life last year following the intense scrutiny and scandals surrounding his time on the BBC dancing show.
The Hospital Admission and Darkest Moment
In a candid interview with Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid, the 53-year-old opera singer, famous for the Go Compare adverts, shared that he ended up in hospital after a suicide attempt. He described how someone discovered him and called an ambulance, an action he credits with saving his life.
Reflecting on that period, Wynne stated, "I went on a dancing show and ended up trying to take my own life. I did end up in hospital - somebody found me, rung an ambulance and luckily for me, I'm here today."
The Impact of Strictly Scandals and Public Pressure
Evans participated in the 2024 series of Strictly, partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones. His time on the programme was marked by controversy, notably an on-air incident where Katya was seen moving his hand away from her waist and refusing a high-five. The pair later explained this was a joke to see if viewers would notice.
The situation escalated when the BBC dropped him from the Strictly tour for using "inappropriate language" after he admitted using the sexual term "spit roast" in reference to co-star Jamie Borthwick.
Wynne explained that the relentless hounding from social media and press left him feeling trapped. "They hound and hound and hound you," he said. "In your head, you go, 'The only way I can make these people stop is by taking my life.'" He acknowledged this thinking was flawed, recognising he was punishing his family rather than his critics.
Reflection, Recovery and Moving Forward
When asked if he would participate in Strictly again, Wynne responded that he wished he had better understood the show's environment beforehand. However, he found a positive outcome in his increased understanding of his own mental health.
"It's given me a greater understanding of my own mental health and where I am in my life and how I can help other people who don't want to talk about mental health," he shared. "I'm learning from my mistakes but not letting them define me for the rest of my life."
He also addressed the on-screen 'hijinks' with Katya, admitting that watching it back, it looked "creepy" and "really, really odd," for which he apologised.
In response to the interview, Susanna Reid read a statement from the BBC outlining the duty of care provided to Evans, which included support from wellbeing professionals and a designated BBC contact, with continued support offered after his contract concluded.
