Wynne Evans announces new project after Strictly scandal with promise to fans
Wynne Evans has unveiled a bold new career move after a turbulent year that saw him axed from both the BBC and the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.
The opera singer, 53, who became a household name thanks to his booming vocals in the GoCompare adverts, has announced he's opening his own restaurant in his hometown of Carmarthen. He has promised that fans can look forward to "MasterChef dishes on the menu".
Wynne took to Instagram to share the news, telling his followers: "Hello, Wynne here. This is my hometown of Carmarthen. It is ever-changing and one thing that is changing is the Welsh House. It's going to become the Welsh House by Wynne.
"I promise you it will have MasterChef dishes on the menu, it's going to have a fabulous warm welcome and I want you to come and see me, OK? It's going to be the home of the radio show too. So I'll see you soon. I'd better get cooking."
It is understood that Wynne struck a deal to take over the existing Welsh House venue, with a source telling The Sun: "It's a prime location in the centre of Carmarthen. He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently."
Wynne's announcement comes after a rocky few months that saw his career with the BBC come to an abrupt end. The star, who won the Celebrity MasterChef trophy in 2023, was embroiled in controversy after he was kicked off the Strictly Come Dancing live tour earlier this year.
He made a comment that was deemed sexually inappropriate during a photocall, which sparked a four-month investigation by the BBC into his behaviour.
Wynne, who performed on Strictly last year with dance partner Katya Jones, 36, had already been forced to apologise during his time on the show for an incident where he was pictured with his hand on Katya's waist which she then pushed away. Both later told fans it was an inside joke.
While on tour, he faced further backlash for "inappropriate and unacceptable" language after using the term "spit roast" in reference to host Janette Manrara. Wynne has since insisted the phrase was actually a nickname for his co-star Jamie Borthwick, and "wasn't meant sexually".
After the scandal, Wynne stepped back from both the tour and his BBC Radio Wales show, saying in a statement at the time: "I've agreed with the BBC that I'll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing. I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection."
Last month, Wynne confirmed he would not be returning to his BBC Radio Wales programme, revealing that the broadcaster had decided not to renew his contract. He shared an emotional message with fans, writing: "From the very depths of my heart - thank you. These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know."
He added: "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. That show wasn't just work—it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family."
However, Wynne is determined not to disappear from the airwaves entirely, and went on to announce his plans to launch an independent radio show, telling fans: "But here's what I believe with everything I've got: what we built cannot end here. So - deep breath - here goes… We're getting the band back together.
"The Wynne Evans Show is coming back, live every day from 9am - 12pm on a new app, on Alexa and Google (we don't have to say 'smart speaker' anymore!) and at www.wynneevansshow.co.uk. This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever. We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again."
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