Singer Wynne Evans, best known for the Go Compare adverts, has made a shocking confession about his time on Strictly Come Dancing, revealing that the fallout from an on-screen scandal severely impacted his mental health and led him to attempt to take his own life.
The 'Creepy' Body Language Experiment
Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, the 53-year-old tenor addressed the controversial moments from the previous series. Viewers had seen professional dancer Katya Jones visibly moving his hand from her waist and refusing a high-five during the live show.
"It does look creepy and I apologise for that," Evans stated candidly. He then explained the context, revealing the incidents were part of a pre-planned "body language experiment" orchestrated with Jones herself. "Katya said to me, 'look let's get down the front, you put your hand on my waist, I'll move it back, we'll see if anyone notices'," he recounted.
Evans conceded that the prank was "naive" and "totally stupid." He admitted, "Of course it looked weird on the TV, it looked really, really odd, when I watch it back now I'm like 'oh no'. But it was just messing around in the 'Claudatorium', and it was hijinks, if you like." Both Evans and Jones had previously described the events as "messing around" in a joint apology video.
Career Fallout and Mental Health Crisis
The repercussions for Evans extended far beyond the initial controversy. In May, he was dropped by the BBC after apologising for using "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly tour. He clarified that the word was his "nickname for one of the other contestants," but acknowledged it was "not an appropriate word for the workplace."
Reflecting on the combined effect of these events, Evans confessed he "paid the ultimate price in terms of my career." The impact on his wellbeing, however, was even more profound. He revealed the harrowing personal consequence, stating, "I went on a dancing show and ended up trying to take my own life, I did end up in hospital, somebody phoned me, rang an ambulance, and luckily for me, I'm here today."
Evans accused the press of hounding him throughout the ordeal and expressed a wish for "better insight" before joining the high-pressure entertainment show.
Finding Strength and a New Path
Despite the immense difficulty, Evans believes the traumatic experience has ultimately given him a "greater understanding of my own mental health and where I am in my life." This hard-won perspective has, in turn, enabled him to feel equipped to help others facing similar struggles.
Demonstrating his resilience, the opera singer announced his return to broadcasting in June with The Wynne Evans Show, a live weekday internet radio programme, marking a new chapter in his career.
The BBC has been contacted for comment regarding the matters raised by Evans.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
