Wynne Evans, a star from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has revealed that his involvement in an on-screen scandal led to severe mental health issues, including a suicide attempt. The Welsh opera singer, best known for his GoCompare adverts, spoke candidly about the incident, which he described as a result of 'hijinks' on the show.
Evans, who participated in the 2023 series of Strictly, said the fallout from the scandal left him feeling isolated and struggling to cope. He did not specify the exact nature of the 'hijinks' but indicated that it involved interactions with other cast members that were misinterpreted or blown out of proportion.
The star's revelation comes amid increased scrutiny of the mental health support provided to contestants on reality TV shows. Evans praised the Samaritans for their assistance during his darkest moments and urged others in distress to seek help. He emphasised the importance of reaching out to organisations like the Samaritans, which offers confidential support 24/7.
In a statement, Evans said: 'I never imagined that what started as light-hearted fun would spiral into such a dark place. I want others to know that help is available, and you don't have to suffer in silence.'
The BBC has not commented on Evans's specific case but reiterated its commitment to the welfare of all participants in its programmes. The network provides access to mental health professionals and support services for contestants during and after their involvement in shows.
