Wynne Evans ‘splits’ from ‘humiliated’ girlfriend amid BBC Strictly live tour scandal days after leaving show
Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has reportedly split from his girlfriend Liz Brookes following his controversial sexual remarks on the show’s live tour.
The 53-year-old opera singer and Go Compare star had been dating events manager Brookes, 50, since early last year, but sources have claimed Brookes was left “humiliated” by Evans’ behaviour during his time on Strictly and his conduct on the live tour.
The pair began dating following the breakdown of his 16-year marriage to Welsh violinist Tanwen in 2016, with his girlfriend being a supportive presence during his Strictly journey.
According to sources speaking to The Sun, they indicated that the pair had separated before the Strictly Live Tour began and said: “Although she loyally stood by him in public, Liz was humiliated by what happened when he was on Strictly.”
Their break-up comes as Evans agreed to step back from both his BBC radio show and the Strictly tour following inappropriate comments made about tour host Janette Manrara.
During the launch in Birmingham, Evans was filmed making inappropriate sexual comments about Manrara, using the demeaning term “spit roast” in reference to a lewd sexual act.
It was reported that Manrara’s husband Aljaz Skorjanec asked her if she was “OK”, to which she replied curtly: “Yep.” However, a spokesperson for Manrara claimed she did not hear Evans’ comment.
In a statement on Tuesday, Evans announced he would “take some time out” from his commitments, and expressed deep remorse for his actions.
“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,” he said.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection.”
His professional dance partner Katya Jones publicly supported him, reposting his message with the words: “Let’s show humanity and consideration. I will miss you my darling boy.” (sic)
BBC Wales confirmed comedian Robin Morgan would present Evans’ radio show during his absence.
Prior to stepping back from his tour commitments, a source claimed to The Sun that Evans had received “repeated warnings about his behaviour” during the tour.
“He’s not been taking it in, in this day and age the BBC have to be seen taking action and safeguarding everyone,” before noting that Evans has “had a tough time with the death of his brother” and suggested people “should give him some slack.”
“He has a lot of support from a lot of the backstage dancers. It’s been a really sad ending to what has been a really fun tour,” the source added.
Evans’ brother Mark Llewelyn Evans has publicly expressed support for the star amid the controversy and said in a statement on X: “As a brother, I want to express my unwavering support for him during this challenging time.”
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He added that Evans has “a heart of gold and the courage of a lion.”
The controversy surrounding Evans and his recent split also comes after the death of his brother Huw Edwards at the beginning of the year, where he posted on Instagram: “‘m so sad to say that my gorgeous eldest brother has passed away. My big brother was my hero and my inspiration.” (sic)