He was dropped by the BBC after using ‘inappropriate language’.
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans has revealed he was hospitalised following a suicide attempt in the wake of multiple controversies during his stint on the programme.
The 53 year old, who was paired with professional dancer Katya Jones during last year’s series, has spoken candidly about the devastating toll the scandals took on him.
His appearance on the show became overshadowed by several incidents – including footage of Katya appearing to brush his hand away from her waist and declining a high-five during a live broadcast, reports the Mirror.
The pair subsequently claimed these moments were intended as an inside joke to see if viewers would pick up on them.
Subsequently, the BBC parted ways with Evans after he used “inappropriate language” at the Strictly tour launch. He disclosed earlier this year that he’d referred to fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick using the crude term “spit roast” – which has explicit sexual connotations.
Speaking now about how the controversies affected his career, Wynne has disclosed that emergency services were called after someone discovered he had attempted to end his life.
Wynne is one Strictly star who has been involved in scandal(Image: PA)
“I went on a dancing show and ended up trying to take my own life,” he told GMB presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid. “I did end up in hospital – somebody found me, rung an ambulance and luckily for me, I’m here today.”
He described feeling trapped by relentless pressure from social media users and journalists. “They hound and hound and hound you. It’s been interesting watching the Caroline Flack programme of late because in your head, you go, ‘The only way I can make these people stop is by taking my life,'” he explained.
“You’re punishing not them, you’re actually punishing yourself and your family. I’ve realised that since but at the time, I thought the only way I could make this noise stop in my head.”
When questioned about whether he’d participate in Strictly if he could go back, Wynne responded: “I wish I’d had a better insight into it before I went into it. It’s given me a greater understanding of my own mental health and where I am in my life and how I can help other people who don’t want to talk about mental health.”
He continued: “I’m learning from my mistakes but not letting them define me for the rest of my life.”
Reading a BBC statement, Susanna explained: “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 anytime.
“He’s been offered continued support since his contract with the BBC concluded.”
The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.
During the interview, Wynne also acknowledged that his “hijinks” with Katya appeared “creepy”. He stated: “It does look creepy and I apologise for that.
“Of course it looked weird on the TV, it looked really, really odd, when I watch it back now I’m like ‘oh no’, but it was just messing around in the ‘Claudatorium’, and it was hijinks, if you like.”
*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch