URGENT UPDATE: Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans has revealed that he was hospitalized following a suicide attempt, spurred by intense scrutiny from the public and media after his appearance on the popular BBC show. The 53-year-old disclosed this harrowing experience during an interview aired on Good Morning Britain earlier today.
Wynne’s participation in last year’s series was marred by controversy, including a widely publicized incident with his dance partner Katya Jones, where she pushed his hand away and declined a high-five. Initially portrayed as a joke, the incident drew significant negative attention. The situation escalated when Wynne was later dropped by the BBC due to his use of “inappropriate language” at a Strictly tour launch. He admitted to using an explicit term in reference to fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick.
During the interview, Wynne opened up about the overwhelming pressure he faced, stating, “I went on a dancing show and ended up trying to take my own life. I did end up in hospital—somebody found me, rung an ambulance, and luckily for me, I’m here today.” His candid remarks reflect the severe impact of public scrutiny on mental health, a theme resonating across the entertainment industry.
The emotional toll of constant hounding by social media users and journalists led Wynne to a dark place, where he felt that “the only way I could make this noise stop in my head” was through self-harm. He acknowledged the destructive cycle of thoughts, admitting, “You’re punishing not them, you’re actually punishing yourself and your family.”
In light of these developments, Wynne expressed regret over his participation in the show, stating, “I wish I’d had a better insight into it before I went into it.” He emphasized the need for greater understanding of mental health issues, both for himself and others. “I’m learning from my mistakes but not letting them define me for the rest of my life,” he added.
Responding to the situation, a BBC spokesperson stated, “We provided a comprehensive duty of care for Wynne, including support by wellbeing professionals. He was also provided with direct access to a designated contact at the BBC who was able to assist him at any time. He’s been offered continued support since his contract with the BBC concluded.”
Wynne also reflected on the nature of his interactions with Katya, admitting that they may have appeared “creepy” on screen. He remarked, “Of course it looked weird on the TV… it looked really, really odd.”
As this story develops, it highlights the urgent need for discussions around mental health, particularly in high-pressure environments like reality television. Wynne Evans’ experience serves as a powerful reminder of the human impact of public life and the importance of support systems for those in the spotlight.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
