Latest news with #WelshHouse
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wynne Evans promises 'big things are coming' after BBC axe
Wynne Evans promises 'big things are coming' after BBC axe The opera singer has promised "MasterChef dishes" at his new West Wales restaurant After recently being axed by the BBC, Wynne has taken on some new projects including his own restaurant. (Image: Western Mail ) Former Celebrity MasterChef winner, Strictly contestant and opera singer Wynne Evans has announced a new food based venture in his hometown of Carmarthen. The announcement came to social media following Wynne's recent move from the BBC after using "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. He has recently started his own radio show from the comfort of his own home and now he will be taking on The Welsh House in Carmarthen. The singer has been a loyal customer to the establishment since they opened in 2024 and now he will be playing a vital role in restaurant "by Wynne". In a video posted to Instagram Wynne said, "This is my hometown of Carmarthen I was born in that street there", before pointing to the street. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . He continued: "Carmarthen is everchanging and if there is one thing that is changing, it's 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 as well. So, get in touch with us, make your bookings and I'll see you soon." Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below They shared alongside the video: "BIG NEWS from The Welsh House Carmarthen! We're thrilled to welcome Wynne Evans, iconic Welsh opera singer, presenter, and legend as a new partner in our Carmarthen family! "A proud local and passionate champion of Welsh food, drink, and culture, Wynne brings unmatched energy and love for the town to help us create something truly special. "Big things are coming… The Welsh House by Wynne. " Fans of the singer took to the comments to share the excitement about his new venture. One person said: "That is great news. Well done Wynne." Another added:" Wynne, the rest of this year is all yours! Seize it, savor it and own that crown." However one fan was concerned that the former Strictly star was taking on too much. They said: "Wow, you are certainly doing alot of stuff. Don't bite off more than you can chew,too I wish you all the best.." The news of Wynne's new restaurant adventure comes after years of being a loyal customer, and after thanking the restaurant's General Manager, Jordan who helped save a life at the restaurant. Read more here. The Welsh House posted on June 12: "We're incredibly proud of our General Manager, Jordan, whose bravery and quick thinking recently helped save a life right here at @thewelshhousecarmarthen. His calm under pressure and willingness to act in a critical moment is a reflection of the kind of leader and person he is every single day. "To make the moment even more special, local legend @wynneevans stopped by to personally thank Jordan for his incredible act of courage and he didn't come empty-handed. Wynne presented Jordan and the team with thoughtful gifts, including hospitality tickets to cheer on Wales, a well deserved reward for their amazing teamwork. Article continues below "It was a powerful reminder of how strong the bond is between local people, and how acts of kindness and bravery don't go unnoticed in a community like Carmarthen."
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wynne Evans announces new venture in home town of Carmarthen following BBC exit
Wynne Evans announces new venture in home town of Carmarthen following BBC exit Following a turbulent time, Welsh opera star Wynne Evans has announced a new project in the town of his birth After a year of upheaval, which included being dropped from the BBC and the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, Wynne Evans has revealed an exciting new venture. The 53-year-old opera singer, widely recognised for his powerful voice in the GoCompare adverts, is set to open a restaurant in his native Carmarthen. He's teased that visitors can expect "MasterChef dishes on the menu". Taking to Instagram, Wynne shared with 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." He continued: "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 believed that Wynne has secured the Welsh House venue in Carmarthen's town centre, aiming to leverage his recent MasterChef victory. A source told The Sun: "It's a prime location in the centre of Carmarthen. He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently." Article continues below Wynne has started a new career in his hometown (Image: wynneevans/Instagram ) This development follows a challenging period for Wynne, who parted ways with the BBC and faced controversy after being removed from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour earlier this year, despite clinching the Celebrity MasterChef title in 2023, reports the Mirror. He made a comment that was considered sexually inappropriate during a photocall, which triggered a four-month investigation by the BBC into his conduct. Wynne, who appeared on Strictly last year alongside dance partner Katya Jones, 36, had previously been compelled to issue an apology during his stint on the programme following an incident where he was photographed with his hand positioned on Katya's waist, which she subsequently moved away. Both parties later explained to supporters that it had been an inside joke between them. Wynne is set to open a new restaurant (Image: wynneevans/Instagram ) Whilst on tour, he encountered additional criticism for "inappropriate and unacceptable" language in an exchange with presenter Janette Manrara. Following the controversy, Wynne withdrew from both the tour and his BBC Radio Wales programme, stating 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." Wynne has started up his own radio adventure (Image: ITV ) Last month, Wynne announced his departure from BBC Radio Wales, as the station chose not to renew his contract. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters, stating: "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." Article continues below He continued with a heavy heart: "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." Despite this setback, Wynne is eager to remain on the air and shared his plans for an independent venture. He said: "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." He revealed the details of his new project: "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 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."
Edinburgh Live
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Wynne Evans announces new career move after Strictly axe and makes promise to fans
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Wynne Evans has made an exciting announcement, embarking on a new venture following a year marred with setbacks, including being dropped from the BBC and the Strictly Come Dancing live tour. The 53-year-old opera singer, famed for his performances in the GoCompare adverts, has declared he's venturing into the culinary world with a new restaurant in Carmarthen, Wales. He promised enthusiastic diners that "MasterChef dishes" would feature on the menu. Posting on Instagram, Wynne engaged with fans, announcing: "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." In his post, the former Strictly star confirmed: "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." (Image: wynneevans/Instagram) It has been rumoured that Wynne sealed the deal on the existing Welsh House establishment, with a source disclosing to The Sun: "It's a prime location in the centre of Carmarthen. He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently." This move comes in the wake of a difficult period for Wynne, which saw his affiliation with the BBC end suddenly. Additionally, earlier this year, the celebrity, who clinched victory on Celebrity MasterChef in 2023, found himself embroiled in controversy after being ousted from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, reports the Mirror. (Image: wynneevans/Instagram) During a photocall, he made a remark that was considered sexually inappropriate, igniting a four-month probe by the BBC into his conduct. Wynne, who graced the Strictly dance floor last year with professional partner Katya Jones, aged 36, was previously compelled to issue an apology on the show for an episode where he was caught with his hand on Katya's waist, which she appeared to push away. They both later explained to their followers that it was simply a playful banter between them. While on tour, Wynne encountered further criticism for using "inappropriate and unacceptable" language after an exchange with presenter Janette Manrara. (Image: ITV) In the wake of the controversy, Wynne chose to withdraw from both the tour and his programme on BBC Radio Wales. His statement at the time read: "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 announced his departure from BBC Radio Wales, as the station chose not to renew his contract. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters, stating: "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 continued with a heavy heart: "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." Despite this setback, Wynne is eager to remain on the air and shared his plans for an independent radio venture, telling his audience: "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." He unveiled his new project: "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 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." Strictly Come Dancing returns autumn 2025 and you can catch it now on BBC iPlayer
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wynne Evans announces new project after Strictly scandal with promise to fans
Wynne Evans is taking his career in a new direction and has decided to open his own restaurant in Wales in the wake of Strictly scandals that saw him axed from the BBC 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 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."
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Wynne Evans confirms exciting new business venture after his BBC show was axed and fears he's 'split' from new fiancée Liz Brookes
Wynne Evans has confirmed a brand new business venture after his BBC show was axed and since he sparked fears he's split from his new fiancée Liz Brookes. The Welsh opera singer, 53, known for his TV fame, took to Instagram on Monday to share the news that he has joined up with a restaurant in his hometown. The Welsh House Carmarthen shared a video of Wynne to their Instagram confirming that the former Strictly Come Dancing star is joining as a partner in the business. In the clip, Wynne confirmed the venue would be renamed The Welsh House by Wynne and will see him cook 'MasterChef' style dishes. After his BBC Wales radio show was cut, Wynne also confirmed he will be hosting a brand new programme from the restaurant and bar. Proudly showing off his hometown, he revealed: '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 warm welcome and I want you to come and see me, OK? 'It's going to be the home of the radio show as well, so get in touch with us, make your bookings and I'll see you soon - I better get cooking!' In a caption, The Welsh House added: 'We're thrilled to welcome Wynne Evans, iconic Welsh opera singer, presenter, and legend as a new partner in our Carmarthen family! 'A proud local and passionate champion of Welsh food, drink, and culture, Wynne brings unmatched energy and love for the town to help us create something truly special. Big things are coming… The Welsh House by Wynne.' The Sun claimed Wynne is opening the restaurant to 'capitalise' on his 2023 Celebrity MasterChef win and to 'distract' himself amid reports of his separation from Liz. 'He's opening a restaurant focusing on Welsh food to distract from the Liz separation,' a source told the publication. 'He paid the Welsh House to take over their existing space.' 'He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently,' they added. It is not Wynne's latest side hustle as he also recently started work as an Airbnb host, leasing out a property in Llansteffan - eight miles away from his hometown. MailOnline has contacted Wynne's representatives for comment. In recent days, Wynne sparked fears of a split from his new fiancée Liz after deleting his engagement post from Instagram and unfollowing her. MailOnline also revealed Liz no longer follows Wynne, who only proposed to the events company boss last month. He got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Morocco and documented the gesture on Instagram, posting snaps of him proposing and a close-up of Liz's ring. He wrote: 'Big news… I got engaged! 'This weekend in Morocco, somewhere between the couscous, the camels, and me limping around the souks like a man with no spatial awareness, I proposed to Liz — and she said yes! (No take-backs, I've checked.) 'She's clever, she's kind, she's got excellent taste in men. 'Absolutely no idea how I pulled that off, but here we are! Feeling very lucky, very happy, and just a tiny bit smug.' However, the picture has now mysteriously disappeared from his account, as have any mentions of his fiancée. Wynne was previously married to wife seven years, Tanwen - the mother of his two kids - but they split in 2016. Wynne and Liz then met in 2024 shortly before his stint on the BBC1 dancing show, and Liz was often sat in the audience during the live shows. Liz owns an events company and it's believed the pair met at a corporate function her firm organised, where Wynne was booked as the entertainment. Wynne also paid tribute to Liz for helping him through a tough time in his work life, after he was axed by the BBC following a controversial comment made during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in January. After his BBC Wales show was cut, Wynne announced that he would be launching a new radio show - which he has now confirmed he will record from The Welsh House. In May, he wrote on Instagram: '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 Wynne's BBC Wales show was axed after using vile sexual innuendo during the Strictly Live Tour and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones '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.' Wynne's show was axed after it emerged he used sexual innuendo during the Strictly Live Tour and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones, who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show. After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show. Then, it was revealed that his travelogue series with Joanna Page was cancelled after just one series. The programme originally aired in February and March of this year and was placed on ice when Wynne was dropped from the Strictly tour before returning to screens. An insider told The Sun: 'Once the first series was slapped on ice, there was always a huge question mark hanging over the prospect of a second outing. 'Only now has the BBC publicly confirmed it won't be returning. 'It means that Wynne has no TV show or radio show with the Beeb, and effectively marks the end of their relationship.' The six-episode series saw Wynne and Gavin And Stacey star Joanna, 48, set sail on watery adventures across Wales' picturesque coastline. A spokesperson for the BBC said: 'There are no plans for a second series.' The Mail on Sunday recently revealed the BBC received seven complaints from women over Wynne Evans' conduct towards them. The revelations came days after Wynne protested on ITV's This Morning that there had been no allegations made against him. He told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: 'There has never been any complaints about me. Ever!' BBC Wales staff raised the seven separate grievances between July 2023 and August 2024, including a period after Wynne was approached to appear on last year's Strictly Come Dancing. Four of the complaints were made before he joined Strictly, raising questions over why the dance show's producers signed him up. Three more were made after he had been chosen for the show. A report into his behaviour was prepared in January for a disciplinary hearing which he said he could not attend, citing mental health issues.
