Wynne Evans recalls emergency hospital dash after trying to take own life amid BBC Strictly scandal

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 19/11/2025

- 14:54

The radio broadcaster was involved in a string of scandals during his time on the BBC competition

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans has disclosed that he was hospitalised following a suicide attempt after controversies during his appearance on the programme.

The 53-year-old opera singer revealed during Wednesday's Good Morning Britain that someone discovered him and contacted emergency services.


"I went on a dancing show and ended up trying to take my own life," Mr Evans told presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid.

"I did end up in hospital - somebody found me, rang an ambulance and luckily for me, I'm here today."

Wynne Evans

Wynne Evans made the revelation on ITV's GMB

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ITV

The Welsh performer participated in the 2024 series of the BBC dance competition partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones.

His time on the programme was marked by several incidents that attracted significant media attention.

During his stint on the show, viewers witnessed an awkward moment when Ms Jones removed Mr Evans's hand from her waist and refused to give him a high-five on camera.

The pair later explained on Instagram that this was intended as a joke to see if audiences would notice.

More serious consequences followed when Evans made a sexual remark about It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara during a photo session at Birmingham Arena.

He used the term "spit roast" as a nickname for fellow performer Jamie Borthwick.

Following a four-month investigation, the BBC chose not to renew Mr Evans's one-year rolling radio contract.

He subsequently issued an apology, expressing deep regret for the distress his inappropriate behaviour had caused and announcing he would take time away from public appearances for self-reflection.

Wynne EvansWynne Evans starred in last year's Strictly Come Dancing | BBC

Mr Evans described the intense pressure he experienced from media scrutiny and online harassment.

"They hound and hound and hound you," he explained to the GMB presenters, drawing parallels with the recent Caroline Flack documentary.

He revealed his thought process during that dark period: "In your head, you go, 'The only way I can make these people stop is by taking my life.'"

The performer acknowledged he now understands this would have punished his family rather than his critics.

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones

Wynne Evans took part on BBC Strictly alongside Katya Jones last year

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BBC

"I thought the only way I could make this noise stop in my head," he admitted, reflecting on his mental state at the time.

Mr Evans expressed regret about not having better insight into the pressures before joining the show, noting the experience has deepened his understanding of mental health issues.

The BBC responded to Mr Evans's revelations with a statement read by Ms Reid: "We provided a comprehensive duty of care for Wynne, including support by wellbeing professionals.

"He was also provided with direct access to a designated contact at the BBC who was able to assist him at anytime."

Despite the difficult experiences, Mr Evans stated he would "always have fond memories of Strictly" and extended good wishes to the current series contestants, particularly his former dance partner.

GB News has contacted the BBC for a comment.

Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.