Wynne Evans's mental health journey as he joins Strictly 2024
The newly announced Strictly celebrity has gone through some tough times since divorcing his wife in 2016.
Wynne Evans is part of the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up, but what fans of the GoCompare advertising icon might not know is that he's struggled with mental health in recent years.
A celebrated concert singer and radio presenter by trade, the Welshman and his ex-wife Tanwen divorced after 17 years of marriage back in 2016, having raised two children together in Ismay and Taliesin. This event left him with depression and Evans even contemplated taking his own life.
Thankfully, some medication and his newfound appreciation of fitness has now settled things down.
Reflecting on his darkest days during Mental Health Awareness Week this May, the 52-year-old said of the end of his and Tanwen's relationship while presenting BBC Radio Wales: "It was almost like grief, but you can't grieve for somebody that's still there. So it really affected my mental health, my confidence and my ego — it totally changed me as a person. It made me very aware of being alone.
"Even though I was only 46 I had this irrational fear of dying on my own," he added, before recalling "very dark thoughts and very dark days" that would culminate in "terrible" ideations.
"I think it's obvious what I'm saying, but I don't want to say it because some people find it distressing. I'm fine to talk about it now, but at that time nothing would help me."
Apparently, his mental descent reached its apex one Easter Sunday, with Evans realising "that I wanted my life to be over". He did "some stupid things" but quickly sought out help from a psychiatrist.
Further along, Evans went on to describe his anxiety and mental health as "my superpower".
He told listeners: "Thanks to anxiety I know exactly what to do when things go wrong, because I've already thought about it a thousand times. So I think it's a strength and when you see it in other people you're able to help them as well. I love that."
Meanwhile, another beneficiary of the star's sunnier outlook is his physical health. Showcasing some impressive weight loss on Instagram last year, he wrote: "Here I am exactly one year ago at the start of my weight loss journey and today. No massive secret just tried to eat less than 2000 calories, I walked 10,000 steps and drank 3 litres of water.
"I had quite a few slip ups along the way [laughing emojis] #weightloss #mentalhealth #menshealth I'm proud of myself for sticking with it. Feels weird to be proud of myself."
Prior to shedding over five stone, he revealed on his morning radio programme how Carol Vorderman inspired him to check in for a one-week Juice Master Retreat in Portugal.
"I've cancelled my holidays to go and see my nephew and decided to go on a health retreat instead. You just drink juice for a week — it makes you more healthy," said Evans, quipping: "I could be well buff by the time I get back.
"People will be going: 'Who's that Adonis that's walked in the building?' I'll be like: 'Stand back ladies it's only Wynne Evans - nothing to see here.'"
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 starts on Saturday 14 September on BBC One and iPlayer.
For confidential emotional support contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org
