Wynne Evans, the Welsh opera singer and Go Compare advert icon, is reportedly on the verge of a major television comeback with ITV, just months after a scandal that rocked his Strictly Come Dancing journey and threatened to derail his career. The 53-year-old’s fall from grace earlier this year—sparked by a lewd comment during the Strictly live tour—saw him axed from the tour and step back from his BBC Radio Wales show amid a firestorm of controversy. Now, whispers of a high-profile ITV gig are swirling, with insiders hinting that this could be the redemption arc Evans desperately needs. As the drama unfolds, fans and critics alike are asking: can Wynne Evans turn the page on his Strictly nightmare and reclaim his spot in the spotlight? Here’s the full story behind this unexpected twist.

Wynne is tipped to make his TV return(Image: John Myers)

The Strictly Scandal Recap

To understand the significance of this potential ITV move, we need to rewind to January 2025, when Wynne Evans’ world came crashing down. Fresh off a fan-favorite run on Strictly Come Dancing 2024 with pro dancer Katya Jones, Evans joined the show’s live arena tour alongside stars like Jamie Borthwick and host Janette Manrara. His operatic charm and cheeky humor had won over audiences, but a single moment at the tour’s Birmingham press launch changed everything. Caught on camera, Evans made a crude remark—reportedly using the term “spit roast” in reference to a pose with Manrara and Borthwick—igniting immediate backlash.

Wynne Evans at the Strictly Live Tour Photocall(Image: Getty Images)

The comment, a vulgar slang term, was deemed “inappropriate” by tour bosses, and the BBC quickly distanced itself, stating it “does not condone such behaviour.” Within days, Evans withdrew from the tour, citing “wellbeing” concerns, and issued a public apology: “I deeply regret my words and the hurt they’ve caused. I’m truly sorry.” The fallout was brutal. His BBC Radio Wales show went on hiatus, with comedian Robin Morgan stepping in, and his £200,000-a-year Go Compare deal teetered on the edge. Social media erupted, with some fans defending him as a “joker who misjudged the room,” while others branded him “disgraceful” and called for a permanent ban from TV.

The scandal didn’t just dent his career—it hit him personally. Reports suggested a split from girlfriend Liz Brookes (later denied), and Evans retreated from the public eye, hiring a crisis PR team and legal counsel to fight what he called a “mischaracterisation” of the incident. “It was a private joke, not aimed at anyone,” a source close to him told The Sun. “Wynne felt betrayed by the lack of support.” By March, he’d begun testing the waters with a low-key BBC return via a repeat of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, but the ITV rumors signal something far bigger—a chance to rewrite his narrative.

ITV’s Big Offer

Fast forward to April 1, 2025, and the buzz around Wynne Evans has taken a dramatic turn. According to The Mirror, ITV bosses have “tipped” him for a “major show,” with speculation pointing to a prime-time slot that could catapult him back into the public’s good graces. While details remain under wraps—ITV has declined to comment—insiders suggest it could be a hosting gig or a spot on a flagship reality format like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! or Dancing on Ice. “Wynne’s a natural entertainer with a huge following,” a TV source told The Express. “ITV sees this as a chance to give him a fresh start and capitalise on his name recognition.”

The timing is telling. ITV has a history of snapping up talent post-BBC controversies—think Piers Morgan after Good Morning Britain or Phillip Schofield amid his own redemption whispers. Evans’ Strictly stint, despite its messy end, showcased his charisma and versatility, making him a prime candidate for ITV’s glitzy lineup. Bookmakers have slashed odds to 2/1 that he’ll appear on I’m A Celebrity this November, with Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati noting, “Wynne’s got the personality to win over the jungle—and the public.” Others speculate he could host a revival of Stars in Their Eyes, leveraging his musical background and larger-than-life persona.

Why ITV?

ITV’s interest in Evans isn’t just about his talent—it’s a strategic play. The network has long positioned itself as a rival to the BBC, often embracing personalities the Beeb has cast aside. Evans’ scandal, while damaging, wasn’t career-ending; no formal complaints were lodged, and his apology was swift. Plus, his Strictly fanbase remains loyal—Katya Jones recently called him “a gem” on Instagram, urging fans to “give him a break.” ITV likely sees an opportunity to spin his story into a redemption arc, a narrative that resonates with viewers who love a comeback tale.

“Wynne’s not a villain—he’s a bloke who made a daft comment,” a source told The Sun. “ITV knows how to package that into something relatable.” The network’s lighter, entertainment-driven tone could also suit Evans better than the BBC’s more scrutinised public-service ethos. His travel series Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea floundered amid the scandal on BBC One, but ITV’s knack for glossy, feel-good formats might give him the reboot he needs.

The Redemption Narrative

If Evans lands this ITV gig, it’ll mark a pivotal chapter in his post-Strictly journey. The scandal left his career in tatters—Go Compare reportedly mulled dropping him, and his Radio Wales future remains uncertain. But redemption is a powerful draw in showbiz, and Evans has the tools to pull it off. His operatic roots, honed at the Guildhall School of Music, and his 20-year TV presence via Go Compare ads give him a unique edge. Add his Strictly exposure—1.2 million viewers watched his Blackpool Paso Doble—and he’s got a platform to rebuild.

Public reaction is mixed but leaning hopeful. A recent YouGov poll found 54% of Brits think he “deserves a second chance,” with many citing his apology and lack of malicious intent. “He’s not a predator—he’s a prat,” one X user quipped, summing up the sentiment. His March BBC cameo drew modest backlash but decent iPlayer streams, suggesting viewers haven’t fully turned away. An ITV move could amplify this goodwill, especially if paired with a mea culpa interview—perhaps on Lorraine or Loose Women—where he could address the scandal head-on.

Challenges Ahead

That said, the road to redemption isn’t smooth. The Strictly scandal tapped into broader scrutiny of the show’s culture, following 2024 allegations against dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Evans’ incident, though less severe, became a lightning rod for debates about workplace conduct, with some arguing the BBC overreacted to appease critics. ITV will need to navigate this baggage carefully—too much focus on the scandal could backfire, while ignoring it risks alienating viewers who feel he hasn’t faced enough consequences.

His personal life adds another layer. Reports of strain with Liz Brookes persist, and the pressure of a high-stakes comeback could test his resilience. Brand expert Hayley Knight told MailOnline, “ITV’s taking a gamble. If Wynne slips up again, it’s game over.” His Go Compare deal, once a golden goose, hangs by a thread—executives are reportedly waiting to see how this ITV chapter plays out before deciding his fate.

What Could the Show Be?

Speculation about the “major ITV show” is rife. I’m A Celebrity tops the list—its November slot aligns with Evans’ timeline, and his jovial persona fits the camp vibe. “He’d be a scream eating bugs,” a fan tweeted. Dancing on Ice, airing January 2026, is another contender, capitalising on his Strictly dance skills. A wildcard option is a hosting role—perhaps a music-themed special or a light-hearted game show like Play Your Cards Right. Whatever it is, ITV’s backing signals confidence in his star power.

The Bigger Picture

Wynne Evans’ potential ITV leap is more than a career move—it’s a litmus test for cancel culture in 2025. Can a public figure bounce back from a misstep in an era of instant outrage? The BBC’s cautious handling contrasts with ITV’s bold embrace, highlighting their divergent approaches to talent management. For Evans, it’s a chance to prove he’s more than a scandal footnote—a tenor with staying power.

As April unfolds, all eyes are on ITV’s next announcement. Will Wynne Evans step into the jungle, glide onto the ice, or take the mic as a host? Whatever the outcome, his Strictly saga has set the stage for a comeback that could redefine his legacy. Tune in this autumn to see if ITV delivers the redemption arc he’s banking on—because in TV land, the show must go on, and Wynne Evans is ready to sing again.