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Wynne Evans, the beloved opera singer turned TV personality, has found himself at the center of yet another headline-grabbing controversy—this time, involving the end of his relationship with girlfriend Liz Brookes. After months of standing by his side through scandal and public scrutiny, Liz reportedly ended things with the 53-year-old “Go Compare” star, feeling “humiliated” by his behavior during and after his time on Strictly Come Dancing.
But what exactly led to their split? And what does this mean for Wynne’s career, which now seems to be hanging by a thread? Let’s break it all down.
Wynne Evans and Liz Brookes – A Short-Lived Romance
Wynne and Liz’s relationship seemed to blossom in early 2023, shortly after his 16-year marriage came to an end. Liz Brookes, 50, an events manager from Cardiff, played a significant role in supporting Wynne during this transition, even helping him lose weight in preparation for Strictly Come Dancing.
The pair appeared happy together, with Liz frequently attending the live shows alongside Wynne’s son, Tal, and posting supportive messages about his performances. But as the weeks went by, things started to unravel—culminating in a very public and messy breakup.
The “Gropegate” Scandal – A Turning Point
One of the first major cracks in their relationship appeared in October 2024, when Wynne was caught on camera sliding his hands across the stomach of his Strictly pro partner, Katya Jones. The moment, dubbed “Gropegate,” sparked widespread backlash, with many questioning Wynne’s intentions.
Katya, 34, was quick to defend Wynne, dismissing the controversy as an “inside joke” between them. However, the damage had already been done. Liz, who had been present in the studio audience that night, was reportedly left embarrassed and hurt.
“She always knew he was a bit old school, and actually liked the fact he seemed rough around the edges. She just assumed it was all part of his charm,” a source close to the couple revealed. “But when it played out on TV, it was a different story.”
Lewd Comment About Janette Manrara – The Final Straw?
If “Gropegate” wasn’t enough, Wynne’s troubles only escalated when a crude joke he made at the Strictly Live Tour launch was caught on camera. During the event, he made an inappropriate remark about “spit-roasting” professional dancer Janette Manrara—something that didn’t sit well with the public or, more importantly, Liz.
Though Liz had stood by him through the Strictly season, sources say this latest incident was the final straw. “She was already struggling with the previous scandal, and then this happened. She was relieved they were no longer together when it came out,” an insider explained.
Wynne Evans’ Career in Jeopardy?
While Wynne has enjoyed a successful career as an opera singer, radio host, and the face of Go Compare, his recent controversies have put his future at risk. Following the latest scandal, he announced he would be stepping away from the Strictly Live Tour and his BBC Radio Wales show to focus on his “well-being.”
“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 all my other public commitments, to prioritize my well-being,” Wynne said in a statement. “I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused and plan to take this time for self-reflection.”
However, taking a step back may not be enough to salvage his career. His lucrative role as the face of Go Compare—a job that has reportedly earned him a six-figure salary—is now under threat. The comparison website has yet to comment on his future with the brand, but the longer the scandal lingers, the worse it could be for his endorsement deals.
To make matters worse, the BBC is also facing pressure to shelve his new travel show, Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, which he co-hosts with Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page. The timing couldn’t have been worse—the first episode aired just 24 hours after news of his inappropriate comment about Janette Manrara broke.
A Look at Wynne Evans’ Personal Life – Family and Net Worth
Born in Carmarthen, Wales, Wynne Evans made a name for himself in opera before becoming a household name through his role as Gio Compario in the iconic Go Compare ads. Despite his quirky TV persona, Wynne has been open about his struggles with mental health, particularly following his 2021 divorce from his wife, with whom he shares two children.
His net worth is estimated to be around £3 million as of 2025, thanks largely to his long-running partnership with Go Compare, numerous TV appearances, and a successful radio career. However, if his current controversies lead to job losses, this figure could take a significant hit.
What’s Next for Wynne Evans?
For now, it seems that Wynne is taking a step back from the spotlight, though whether it’s by choice or necessity is up for debate. His statement about prioritizing his well-being suggests that he is aware of the damage done, but public perception may take time to mend.
As for Liz Brookes, sources say she is moving on with her life. While she had high hopes for their relationship, it ultimately wasn’t meant to be. “She was an incredible support system for him, but after everything that happened, she realized she deserved better,” a close friend shared.
Wynne Evans’ future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—this Strictly journey has been anything but smooth. Whether he can redeem himself remains to be seen, but for now, he’s got a lot of work to do if he hopes to regain public trust and rebuild his career.
What are your thoughts on Wynne Evans’ scandal and split from Liz Brookes? Do you think he’ll be able to bounce back? Let us know in the comments!
