Opera singer Wynne Evans said he had a ‘wonderful time’ on Strictly Come Dancing after becoming the eighth celebrity to leave in 2024.
The BBC Radio Wales presenter, 52, known for the Go.Compare insurance advertisements, failed to impress the judges after redoing his Charleston routine in the dance-off during the result’s show episode on Sunday at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
He had also been in the bottom two last weekend, but was saved by the judges, with X Factor singer Shayne Ward eliminated instead.
This week, Wynne and pro partner Katya Jones found themselves in the bottom two opposite Olympian and Gladiators star Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe following a public vote and the judges scores.
The decision to save Montell, who did a Salsa to Don’t Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston, was unanimous from the judges.
Wynne, who performed to Carmen Suite No. 1: 5. Les Toreadors by Georges Bizet, said: ‘It’s been wonderful, I’ve got to say. I feel like it’s what Strictly is all about.
‘If I can come and do Strictly and last until week nine, then anybody can get out there and dance and have a brilliant time.
‘Strictly is such a brilliant family, such a precious family, that I want everybody here in this room and at home to look after it for the generations to come because it is a wonderful, wonderful thing.
Katya added: ‘To be honest with you, the smile hasn’t left my face since the first day of our training, since the day we got partnered up.
‘You (Wynne) have made this experience so joyous and so full of laughter for me.
‘I’m sure everybody was jealous because you’re the kind of guy that everybody wants in their life.
‘You bring light, you bring laughter, you bring charisma, you fill up every room you walk into with those qualities.’
Wynne went on: ‘To have been partnered with Katya has been amazing and coming every Saturday night to hang out with these guys (my other contestants), that’s been wonderful.
‘But to spend every weekday dancing has been just fantastic.
‘I’ve grown so much and I’m so thankful to have met this person (Katya).’
During their time on the show, the pair were embroiled in an incident that he later apologised for, saying it was a ‘silly joke’.
After fans caught the moment Katya moved his hand from her waist, following heightened scrutiny of the long-running series amid scandals, they both repeatedly denied that he engaged in any sort of ‘inappropriate’ behaviour or upset her at all.
He also said on his radio that he was ‘absolutely heartbroken’ by the backlash, and felt the moment had been ‘totally misinterpreted’.
Celebrities have been outspoken about their treatment recently, and the show has put in place heightened welfare measures including chaperones in rehearsals.
Strictly this weekend also saw the Pet Shop Boys perform their new single All The Young Dudes, and the professional dancers do a sultry routine to Jacob Gade’s Jalousie tango.
Montell found herself in the bottom despite earning 35 points in the judges, while the public vote saved reality star Pete Wicks, who was given 27 points from the judging panel.
Wynne was second from the bottom with 31 points, while Miranda actress Sarah Hadland and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri came joint top with 39 points.
Strictly Come Dancing returns live at 7.05pm on Saturday on BBC One.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly Come Dancing return ‘confirmed’ after Amanda Abbington scandal
MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s line-up for dazzling Christmas special as one star makes history
MORE: ‘Oti Mabuse’s biggest I’m A Celebrity struggle could be a game-changer’