Wynne Evans teary as he says 'I wanted to end my life' over Strictly scandal

Edinburgh Live

a day ago

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Opera singer Wynne Evans struggled to hold back tears as he opened up about the Strictly Come Dancing scandal that left him feeling suicidal during an emotional interview on This Morning.
The 53-year-old Welsh singer has faced a turbulent few months after being dropped by the BBC following an apology saying that he used "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
On Wednesday, Wynne emotionally revealed that the "relentless" scandal had pushed him to his lowest point.
Wynne said: "I've had clinical depression since 2016, I was diagnosed. I want to talk about it today because I want other people to find strength from that. It took me to the darkest point in my life."
(Image: ITV)
Choking back tears, he recalled the devastating moment he told his girlfriend, to whom he recently got engaged to: "I remember saying to my girlfriend: 'I have to kill myself, I have to...'" Wynne's voice cracked as he fought to compose himself.
He credited his loved ones for their unwavering support during his darkest hour, saying: "I was on the crisis team for a month, and they just looked after me the whole time", reports Wales Online.
"My friends, family, and girlfriend had a rota so they could be with me 24 hours a day, sitting up with me because it was just so relentless."
Wynne also shared a heart-wrenching conversation with his daughter: "I said to my daughter: 'I'm sorry I brought shame on the family' because even though I didn't do what they said I did, I still brought all these headlines.
"She just said: 'Look, dad, I know you, you're just this kind person, and I just want you to know that I can see the video, I've seen it for myself, I know exactly what you said.' They've been utterly brilliant and my girlfriend's been fantastic as well."
(Image: BBC)
This Morning host, Ben Shephard, also read a statement from the BBC which said: "We provided comprehensive duty of care for Wynne that included support by wellbeing professionals.
"He was also provided with direct access to a designated contact at the BBC who was available to assist him at anytime. Plus he has been offered continued support since his contract with the BBC concluded."
The interview comes as the Welsh opera singer, known for the Go.Compare insurance advertisements, announced last month that he will no longer be a BBC Radio Wales presenter.
Wynne revealed in January that he would be taking some time out from both his radio show and the Strictly tour to prioritise his wellbeing.
A spokesperson for the BBC recently said: "Wynne Evans is not under contract with the BBC. He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales, and there are currently no plans to work with him."
(Image: ITV)
Reflecting on his journey in an emotive post on Instagram last month, he penned: "My beloved Wynners, 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."
Wynne thanked his fans and said he would have an online programme called The Wynne Evans Show, which he called "terrifying".
"This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever," he added.
(Image: Instagram)
"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. We have a new home. I'm bringing more presenters soon, and I am sure you'll recognise a few of the faces."
He admitted that he was "full of nerves. Full of hope. Full of love. Because when we show up for each other — like we always have — anything is possible."
Earlier this year, he apologised for language that he called "inappropriate and unacceptable" after The Mail on Sunday reported that Wynne was heard making a remark in a video filmed during the Strictly launch event. It is understood he was given a warning over the remark by tour producers.
In January, he announced: "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.
"Apologies to those I won't get to see at the remaining performances, and I'm grateful to my fellow tour gang for all the amazing support they have given me."
*If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.