Wynne Evans has issued an apology and stepped down from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour after becoming embroiled in another scandal.
The opera singer – who found fame by starring in Go.Compare adverts – said in a post on his Instagram Story that he has “agreed with the BBC” that he will “take some time out” from not just the Strictly live tour, but also his BBC Radio Wales show.
Stating that he was doing so “to prioritise my mental wellbeing”, the 53-year-old – who celebrated his birthday on January 27 – added: "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."
So what has been going on behind the scenes?
What happened?
On January 26, the Mail on Sunday reported Evans had been caught on camera making a lewd sexual remark to Strictly tour host Janette Manrara, while the pair were posing with the rest of the stars taking part in the arena show at a photocall.
Evans suggested a “three-way” with Manrara and used the term “spit roast”, the paper claimed.
Following the revelation, Evans issued an apology and the BBC said he had been given a warning – but it initially seemed he would keep his place on the Strictly live tour. However, amid growing backlash, his exit was announced two days later.
What has been the reaction?
Evans’ announcement about stepping down from the tour came as the BBC faced a growing backlash, with many fans pointing out that his latest comments did not appear to be an isolated incident.
During last year’s series of Strictly, Evans found himself at the centre of controversy – and was forced to apologise – after a clip from one of the live shows saw him slide his hand down partner Katya Jones’s waist, before she firmly moved it back up. Another clip from the episode saw Jones appear to dismiss Evans’ offer of a high five.
While the pair insisted both moments were a joke, the controversy undoubtedly cast a dark cloud over Evans’ stint on the show.
Fast forward to this latest incident, and many fans were unhappy Evans seemed to be getting nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
Amid the furore, the BBC decided to push on with broadcasting a new travel show featuring Evans and Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, with the first episode airing on Monday, January 27. This decision has also drawn criticism.
Who is Wynne Evans?
The Welsh star found fame as the ‘Go Compare man’ after appearing in numerous adverts for the insurance-comparison service but he had been an accomplished opera singer for years before his TV debut.
His singing career had seen him perform at the Royal Opera House and for the Welsh National Opera, as well as in a 25th anniversary production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Evans has also released two classical albums.
Starring in Go.Compare adverts provided the star with a springboard to mainstream fame, and he competed in Celebrity Masterchef a year before signing up for Strictly.
He also presents a mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales, which he is currently taking a break from.
