“Wynne Evans’ Bold BBC Comeback: From Strictly Scandal to TV Redemption—Discover Why His Return Is Stirring Hearts and Headlines!”
In a twist that has set tongues wagging, Welsh opera singer and broadcaster Wynne Evans made a surprising return to BBC screens on March 28, 2025, just months after a high-profile scandal that saw him axed from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour and stepping back from his BBC Radio Wales show. The 53-year-old, best known for his flamboyant Go.Compare adverts, faced intense scrutiny in January 2025 after making an inappropriate sexual remark during the Strictly tour launch in Birmingham, a moment that threatened to derail his career. Yet, his appearance on a rerun of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip alongside Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page marked an unexpected re-emergence, signaling a potential redemption arc. Evans’ journey—from public apology to legal battles and now a quiet return—has sparked fervent debate about accountability, forgiveness, and the complexities of navigating fame in the face of controversy.
The scandal erupted on January 16, 2025, during a photocall for the Strictly live tour at Birmingham Arena. Evans was recorded using the term “spitroast,” a crude slang for a sexual act, in what was reported as a remark directed at tour host Janette Manrara as she posed between him and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick. The comment, overheard by a reporter, ignited a firestorm when published, prompting swift action from the Strictly tour producers and BBC Studios, who emphasized their zero-tolerance stance on such behavior. Evans issued a public apology, calling his language “inappropriate and unacceptable” and expressing deep regret for the pain caused. By January 29, he announced he would take a break from the tour, his BBC Radio Wales show, and other public commitments to prioritize his well-being, a decision supported by his Strictly partner Katya Jones, who urged fans to show “humanity and consideration.”
The fallout was swift and severe. Evans, a household name thanks to his Go.Compare role as Gio Compario, faced the potential loss of his lucrative advertising contract, with reports suggesting the brand was reconsidering its association due to the damage to his public image. His new BBC travel series, Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, premiered on January 27 amid the controversy, drawing criticism from some viewers who questioned the BBC’s decision to air it. Speculation about the show’s cancellation surfaced, with betting odds indicating a second series was unlikely. Additionally, a separate incident involving a backstage prank with a sex toy alongside Borthwick further complicated matters, though Evans maintained it was part of an “in-joke” among tour colleagues. The cumulative impact left Evans fearing for his career, with friends describing him as “in a bad way” and worried he could “lose everything.”
Yet, beneath the headlines, a more nuanced story emerged. Evans and his team have fiercely contested the narrative, arguing that the “spitroast” comment was misconstrued. They claim the remark was directed at Borthwick, referencing a playful moment where he lifted his legs in a way resembling a “spit-roast chicken,” not Manrara. A cyber forensics analysis reportedly uncovered a previously unnoticed word in the footage, which Evans’ allies believe reframes the context entirely. He has since engaged top London law firm Russells to pursue damages for lost work, preparing a 30-page dossier to present to the BBC in a bid to clear his name. Reports in April 2025 suggested he was considering a tribunal against the BBC for unfair dismissal and loss of earnings, signaling his determination to fight what he perceives as unjust treatment.
Evans’ return to the BBC via Celebrity Antiques Road Trip was a low-key but significant moment. The episode, originally filmed in 2023, saw him and Page hunting for antiques across Wales, from Carmarthen to Narberth, with Evans sharing a gleeful Instagram post about catching the rerun on BBC iPlayer. The broadcast, airing at 7 p.m. on March 28, 2025, marked his first BBC appearance since the scandal, a subtle reintroduction that contrasted with the earlier uproar. While he has not yet resumed his BBC Radio Wales show, where comedian Robin Morgan continues to fill in, Evans’ social media activity—posting about rugby games, stage performances, and positive mantras like “stay positive”—suggests a deliberate effort to rebuild his public image. His April 7 stage performance, where he was unexpectedly called to sing with a band, further hinted at a comeback, with fans on X expressing support and relief at his return to performing.
The controversy has not been without personal toll. Evans reportedly split from his girlfriend, Liz Brookes, in January 2025, with sources claiming she felt “humiliated” by his behavior. The breakup followed the death of his brother Huw Edwards earlier that year, adding emotional weight to an already turbulent period. His brother Mark Llewelyn Evans publicly defended him, emphasizing family support amid the crisis. Evans has also been open about his mental health struggles, with friends noting the scandal’s impact on his well-being. Despite these challenges, his legal team and supporters argue he was “thrown under the bus,” pointing to messages of support from Manrara herself, who reportedly urged him to “take deep breaths” and look after himself post-incident.
The Strictly scandal must be viewed in the broader context of the show’s tumultuous recent history. In 2024, professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima left amid allegations of misconduct, with the BBC apologizing to actress Amanda Abbington for Pernice’s verbal bullying, though physical aggression claims were not upheld. These incidents prompted new welfare measures, including chaperones in rehearsal rooms and additional training, reflecting heightened scrutiny of the show’s culture. Evans’ earlier Strictly moments—such as Katya Jones moving his hand from her waist and declining a high-five during the 2024 series—were labeled “awkward” by viewers but dismissed by both as part of a “running joke.” These incidents, while minor, contributed to the narrative of Evans as a controversial figure, amplifying the tour remark’s impact.
The BBC’s handling of Evans’ case raises questions about consistency and fairness. While the corporation stood firm on its intolerance for unacceptable behavior, it proceeded with Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea as planned, a decision that drew backlash from some viewers but suggested a willingness to maintain Evans’ presence in less contentious formats. The airing of the Antiques Road Trip rerun further indicates that the BBC is not entirely severing ties, possibly viewing the scandal as a misstep rather than a career-ender. However, the lack of clarity on his Radio Wales return—coupled with reports of a potential tribunal—suggests ongoing tensions, with Evans determined to restore his reputation and secure his place at the broadcaster.
Public sentiment, as reflected on X, is divided. Some fans have rallied behind Evans, creating social media pages to support his Radio Wales return and praising his charisma, while others remain critical, questioning his judgment and the BBC’s decision to air his shows. A May 4, 2025, post from a media outlet claimed Evans alleged the scandal’s recording was “manipulated,” a narrative that gained traction among supporters but hasn’t shifted the broader discourse significantly. This polarization underscores the challenge of navigating public perception in the wake of a scandal, particularly when the offense—while inappropriate—lacks the severity of other Strictly controversies.
Evans’ comeback is a testament to his resilience and the loyalty of his fanbase, but it also highlights the precarious nature of fame. His Antiques Road Trip appearance, while a rerun, serves as a bridge to re-engage viewers, offering a glimpse of the jovial, knowledgeable persona that made him a star. His legal efforts, including the dossier and potential tribunal, reflect a refusal to accept the narrative imposed upon him, while his social media positivity signals a forward-looking approach. For the BBC, the decision to air his content suggests a calculated balance between addressing misconduct and retaining a popular figure whose talents extend beyond the scandal.
As Evans navigates this chapter, his story resonates beyond the headlines. It’s a tale of human error, the weight of public judgment, and the quest for redemption in an unforgiving spotlight. His return, however modest, marks a step toward reclaiming his narrative, reminding us that even in the face of controversy, second chances are possible. Whether he fully restores his career—with Go.Compare, Radio Wales, or new projects—remains to be seen, but for now, Wynne Evans is back, proving that the show, and his spirit, go on.
