URGENT UPDATE: Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans has revealed he was rushed to the hospital following a suicide attempt, a direct result of the intense scrutiny he faced during and after his time on the show. The shocking admission comes as Evans discusses the profound impact of his experience on his mental health.
In a candid interview on Good Morning Britain earlier today, the 53-year-old performer shared that emergency services were called after someone discovered he had attempted to end his life. “I did end up in hospital – somebody found me, rung an ambulance and luckily for me, I’m here today,” he stated.
Evans’ participation in the BBC competition last year was marred by multiple controversies, including an infamous incident with professional dancer Katya Jones that led to public speculation. The pair’s on-screen dynamic, which included a moment where Katya pushed Evans’ hand away, was later revealed to be part of an inside joke. However, this did little to shield Evans from backlash.
Further complicating matters, Evans was axed from the BBC following the use of “inappropriate language” during the launch of the Strictly tour, where he referred to fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick using an explicit term. The fallout from these events took a toll on Evans, leading him to feel overwhelmed by relentless social media pressure and media scrutiny.
“I went on a dancing show and ended up trying to take my own life,” he revealed, reflecting on how the constant hounding from online users and journalists contributed to his despair. “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 added, emphasizing the mental anguish he endured.
In response to his remarks, 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.” The network confirmed that Evans has been offered continued support since the conclusion of his contract.
During the interview, Evans also addressed the perception of his “hijinks” with Katya, admitting, “It does look creepy and I apologise for that. Of course, it looked weird on the TV.” He expressed regret over how those moments were interpreted, acknowledging that they may have contributed to the public’s negative view of him.
As Evans continues to navigate his mental health journey, he emphasized the importance of understanding one’s own wellbeing. “I’m learning from my mistakes but not letting them define me for the rest of my life,” he stated.
This developing story highlights the critical need for mental health awareness and support, particularly in high-pressure environments like reality television. As Evans courageously shares his experience, he hopes to inspire others who may be struggling with similar issues to seek help and speak out.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation as more details emerge.
