Wynne Evans, 53, ENGAGED as BBC Strictly star put scandal-hit year behind him with sweet announcement
Wynne Evans has announced his engagement to partner Liz Brookes following a romantic proposal during their holiday in Morocco.
The 53-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing contestant shared the news on Instagram this weekend, posting photographs of himself on one knee and his fiancée’s engagement ring.
The Welsh opera singer and Go Compare advertisement star revealed the proposal took place amongst the souks of Morocco, with Brookes accepting his offer of marriage.
Evans posted images showing the couple celebrating with champagne, prominently displaying the engagement ring.
The announcement comes as welcome news for Evans, who has faced professional setbacks in recent weeks. The BBC Radio Wales presenter’s contract was not renewed last month following controversial comments made during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour launch earlier this year.
In his Instagram announcement, Evans wrote: “Big news… I got engaged!
“This weekend in Morocco, somewhere between the couscous, the camels, and me limping around the souks like a man with no spatial awareness, I proposed to Liz — and she said yes! (No take-backs, I’ve checked.)”
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He continued with characteristic humour: “She’s clever, she’s kind, she’s got excellent taste in men.
“Absolutely no idea how I pulled that off, but here we are! Feeling very lucky, very happy, and just a tiny bit smug.”
A source close to the couple told The Sun that Evans had secretly purchased the engagement ring before their trip. “He secretly bought an engagement ring and squirrelled it away for their holiday, and then popped the question over champagne,” the source revealed.
The insider added: “It has been a tumultuous six months for Wynne but Liz has been his absolute rock throughout.
“Finally, some wonderful news for Wynne and his inner circle to celebrate, and everyone is chuffed for them both.”
Famous friends soon rallied around Evans following the announcement, including Strictly pro Nancy Xu who typed: “Congratulations,” followed by a series of party emojis.
BBC DJ Zoe Ball echoed the sentiement with a “congratulations” of her own alongside heart emojis, while Antiques Road Trip star Irita Marriott shared an emoji of champagne and love hearts before commentined: “Congratulations!!!!!” (sic)
Evans’s engagement follows a difficult period that saw his BBC Radio Wales contract not renewed after he made what he described as “inappropriate and unacceptable” comments during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour launch.
The incident occurred at Birmingham Arena where Evans was filmed making a sexualised remark as the group gathered for a photograph.
The broadcaster was subsequently removed from the Strictly tour and his daytime radio programme. In January, Evans issued a statement saying: “I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and I plan to take this time for self-reflection.”
The BBC confirmed last month that Evans “is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales and there are currently no plans to work with him.” Evans had presented the programme for several years before the controversy emerged.
Earlier this year, reports emerged suggesting the couple had split following Evans’s Strictly controversy. However, these claims were quickly clarified, with sources confirming that Brookes, 50, was “rallying around him” during the difficult period.
The events company owner met Evans at a hen party in Wales approximately 18 months ago. According to reports, Evans asked her for coffee the following day, beginning their relationship.
Brookes stood by Evans throughout the investigation into his conduct, providing support during what the source described as a “tumultuous six months.” Her loyalty during this challenging period appears to have strengthened their bond.
Evans and Brookes began dating following his divorce from wife of 17 years, Tanwen Evans. The former couple share two children, daughter Ismay and son Taliesin.
The engagement marks a positive turn for Evans, who had also been grieving the loss of his brother Huw during the recent controversies.