Wynne Evans’ staggering Go Compare deal ‘hanging by a thread’ after Strictly axe

Go Compare star, Wynne Evans, is surrounded by scandal having been axed from the Strictly Come Dancing tour following a lewd comment he made about Strictly tour host Janette Manrara

Wynne Evans’ lucrative Go Compare gig is said to be ‘hanging by a thread’ following his Strictly Come Dancing axe.

The opera singer from Wales, 53, is no longer part of the star-studded BBC show’s live tour after he was caught making a lewd comment about the tour’s host, Janette Manrara earlier this month. Following the fracas, the singer has said he’s taking time off from his “public commitments” – including his BBC Radio Wales show – after apologising for his ‘poor judgement’.

However, the jury’s still out on his future as the face of the Go Compare insurance adverts, from which he reportedly makes a whopping £200,000 a year. Wynne shot to fame as the moustachioed Gio Compario in the famous adverts for the insurance comparison website in 2009. He previously said the ubiquitous commercials have “changed his life”.

However, executives are reportedly having “crisis talks” about the star’s future with the company after he was caught making a sexual remark to dancer Janette at the Strictly tour launch earlier this month. “His deal with them hangs by a thread,” a source told The Sun on Tuesday. “Wynne is so popular with viewers, so it will be a very tough call, but the sense is it is hard to keep him on.”

Wynne often shares videos of himself dressed as Gio Compario on Instagram and in May 2024, he paid tribute to the 15th anniversary of his first advert. Sharing a selfie in his character’s iconic costume, he wrote: “This 1st ad was filmed 15 years ago today! Go Compare, happy times.”

However, his future with the company now looks decidedly uncertain. In a another headache for Strictly bosses, Wynne was recorded making an inappropriate sexual comment to dancer, Janette, who acts as host on the live tour, which kicked off in January. When she walked over to the group in a photocall, the Welshman belted out: “Go Compare,” before adding: “Not too close to Jamie [Borthwick].” He then used the hugely demeaning term “spit roast” in reference to a lewd sexual act.

Apologising for his actions after news of his axe from the tour broke, Wynne said: “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. 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.”

* The Mirror has contacted Go Compare and Wynne Evans’ representatives for comment.

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