Strictly Come Dancing‘s Wynne Evans has been left single after his girlfriend ended their relationship in the wake of his offensive comments towards his BBC co-stars.
The 53-year-old Welsh star, known for his role as the GoCompare singer, was reportedly dumped by his partner just hours after news broke that he had been dropped from the Strictly live tour.
The decision followed a video surfacing of him making an inappropriate sexual remark about a co-star at the tour’s Birmingham launch. Despite apologising for his comment, Evans was removed from the show.
The recorded incident involved Evans making an unsuitable sexual comment to Janette Manrara, the tour’s host, when she approached the group. He sang out: “Go Compare,” before adding: “Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick].”
He then used the highly offensive term “spit roast” in reference to a crude sexual act.
In a statement to the Mirror, Evans said: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
However, his apology did not suffice for some, leading to BBC bosses deciding to drop him from the live tour – and his girlfriend ending their relationship. Evans started dating Liz Brookers, 50, early last year.
Following his scandalous remarks, it is reported that Liz decided to end their romance, feeling humiliated by his behaviour. A source stated: “Although she loyally stood by him in public, Liz was humiliated by what happened when he was on Strictly.”
In 2016, Evans’ marriage to Tanwen, the mother of his two children, ended. He later found love with events manager Liz, who supported him during his Strictly Come Dancing stint.
Despite their seemingly strong relationship, Liz reportedly felt furious and humiliated by Evans’ actions on the show and prior to the tour.
A source disclosed to The Sun: “Although she loyally stood by him in public, Liz was humiliated by what happened when he was on Strictly. She always knew he was a bit old school, and actually liked the fact he seemed rough round the edges. She just assumed it was all part of his charm.”
The source added: “But Wynne seemed to develop a particularly close relationship with Katya and seems to have gotten carried away which many suspected contributed to ‘gropegate’ happening.
“Katya was also an enthusiastic defender of him when the scandal broke in October, taking to social media and appearing on TV to say it was actually an ‘inside joke’ between the two of them.”
According to the insider, Liz continued to support Evans throughout the competition, but now feels ‘relieved’ that their relationship has ended and is content to steer clear of the drama that Evans tends to attract.
During his appearance on the BBC show last year, Evans faced criticism for what seemed to be improper behaviour towards his dance partner, Katya Jones, live on air. In response to the controversy, the duo explained that it was an “inside joke”, with Katya stepping up to defend Evans.
By Tuesday evening, Evans had acknowledged he would be dropped and concurred with the BBC’s decision to “take some time out” from his radio gig as well as the Strictly Come Dancing live tour “to prioritise my wellbeing”.
His statement 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. 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.”
Evans’ representatives have been contacted for comment.
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