Women in Wales, a charity based in Cardiff, have reportedly been left ‘horrified’ and ‘outraged’ after disgraced opera singer Wynne Evans was announced as the ‘surprise’ performer at their fundraising lunch
Ambassadors for a children’s charity in Wales were reportedly left shocked and appalled when scandal-hit opera singer Wynne Evans was unveiled as the ‘surprise’ act for their fundraising lunch despite his controversial stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
The announcement was made on the Women in Wales Facebook page on Wednesday. It revealed that the 53-year-old, best known for his appearances in the Go Compare adverts before competing on the BBC dance series, would be performing at the event today.
Wynne stepped back from the Strictly Come Dancing tour and his BBC Radio Wales show in January, after being caught on camera making a lewd sexual joke aimed at co-star Janette Manrara during a press call. The incident came just weeks on from an awkward moment between the singer and his professional partner Katya Jones during the live Strictly shows.
In a Facebook post shared on Wednesday night, the Women in Wales Luncheon page announced: “SURPRISE PERFORMANCE! We are delighted to announce that the incredible Wynne Evans will be performing live at this year’s Luncheon!
“Wynne will be filling the room his breath-taking vocals an unforgettable performance for you all this Friday. Diolch, Wynne – We are looking forward to Friday.” Wynne shared the announcement to his own page, adding: “Thank you so much.”
Wynne’s booking didn’t attract much backlash on the Women In Wales Luncheon Facebook page, with one fan commenting: “Looking forward to the day and it will be great to see Wynne Evans performing at the event.”
However, supporters of the charity – which raises funds for children’s charities and projects across Wales – have reportedly said they had no prior knowledge of Wynne’s performance at the fundraising luncheon and have distanced themselves from the event.
A woman associated with the charity, who wished to stay unnamed, expressed her shock, stating to the MailOnline: “I had no idea and I am absolutely horrified and outraged Wynne Evans is performing. It flies in the face of everything we have been campaigning tirelessly for and puts our hard work back. This is unacceptable.I want nothing to do with it.”
Another voiced her disappointment, saying: “We are a women’s charity, and I am so upset we would be associated with him.” The Mirror has approached representatives for Wynne Evans and Women In Wales for comment.
In January, Wynne said he was “deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused”, as he announced he would be taking some time out from his BBC Radio Wales show and the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour to prioritise his wellbeing.
The Welsh opera singer said in a statement: “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.”
Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones, who was partnered with Wynne on Strictly, reposted the message and wrote: “Let’s show humanity and consideration.” She added that she would miss Wynne in the post to her Instagram stories.
During their time on Strictly, Wynne and Katya had to apologise for a “joke” in which she moved his hand from her waist during the BBC show. In another moment, Katya appeared to not want to high-five her celebrity partner, which they called “a running joke”.
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