Wynne Evans, the former Strictly Come Dancing star, made an unexpected return to BBC One on Saturday night, appearing on an episode of Pointless Celebrities. The appearance comes months after the BBC stated it had "no plans" to work with him following his exit from the live tour and his radio show.
The 53-year-old opera singer, known for the Go Compare adverts, was paired with Joanna Page, his co-star from the travel series Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea. The BBC confirmed in June that it had "no plans" to renew that programme. The pre-recorded episode saw the pair reach the penultimate round but fail to make the final, which was won by BBC News colleagues Jane Hill and Ben Boulos.
Evans had previously announced his departure from the BBC after a scandal during the Strictly Come Dancing tour in January, when he reportedly used the term 'spit roast' towards host Janette Manrara. He later insisted it was part of a nickname and "wasn't meant sexually". He subsequently left the tour and his BBC Radio Wales show, which he had hosted since 2016.
In May, a BBC spokesperson confirmed that Evans was "not under contract with the BBC" and that there were "currently no plans to work with him". Evans later criticised the BBC, telling fans: "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract." He has since launched his own radio show on other platforms.
Viewers expressed surprise at the appearance on social media, with one writing: "Wynne Evans? This must have been recorded 10 years ago?" Another commented: "Well done BBC - Wynne on Pointless - common sense at last." It is unclear when the episode was filmed, but some suggested it could mark his final BBC appearance.
