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Disgraced Strictly star Wynne Evans starts new venture well away from TV

BBG News

In the face of uncertainty with his television profession, Wynne Evans is embarking on a fresh journey – this time offering hospitality as an Airbnb host for a property close to his Welsh hometown.

53-year-old celebrity known for Go Compare ads, a native of Carmarthen, has put up a house for rent that’s approximately 8 miles from Llansteffan, on a popular real estate platform.

I found myself in a challenging situation when my actions during the Strictly Live Tour didn’t meet the expected standards. I used inappropriate sexual language and was involved in an uncomfortable incident involving my dance partner, Katya Jones. In the show, it appeared as though I unintentionally moved my arm in a way that wasn’t appropriate towards her lower waist.

BBC Wales decided to terminate our partnership following these events.

At the beginning of this month, Wynne expressed on This Morning that he felt ‘desperately low,’ almost to the point of considering suicide, after being dismissed, and further mentioned, “I have never had any criticism or complaints levied against me.

However, it emerged through an article published by The Mail on Sunday that as many as seven complaints were lodged by women concerning his behavior at BBC Wales during the period spanning July 2023 to August 2024.

Or more casually:

But it turns out there were up to seven complaints about him from women while he was working at BBC Wales from July 2023 to August 2024, as reported by The Mail on Sunday.

However, outside his television profession, Wynne seems to be venturing into different areas. Specifically, he’s launched a new venture named Wildvine Properties Ltd, which primarily focuses on property investment by purchasing and selling real estate and managing rentals.

His activities seem to revolve around his house in the coastal village, approximately a 90-minute drive from Cardiff.

The property is called Wild Vine Cottage and is hosted by James, Wynne’s first name.

In his bio, despite his BBC sacking, he says he still ‘works for the BBC in Wales’.

I’m new to this, but excited to have you join me in Wales! This place is my home, and I can’t wait to show you around.

The three bedroom property, just a short walk from the beach, has positive reviews from guests.

The real estate showcases artwork depicting Wynne, the character from Go Compare, and various framed musical memorabilia on its walls.

In the living area, not only is there a piano for music, but it also functions as a bar. Photos show a rotating stand holding four bottles of martini, gin, and whiskey.

Or, more casually:
The living room houses both a piano for tunes and a bar for drinks – complete with martinis, gins, and whiskeys!

This cozy dwelling features a fireplace with logs for burning, located within the spacious living area, which offers an L-shaped couch, a dining space, and a TV as well.

The remaining areas with a kitchen, three bedrooms, and a bathroom are just as delightful. This place comfortably accommodates six guests.

This newly refurbished three-bedroom home is nestled in the picturesque village of Llansteffan – boasting a breathtaking coastline, ancient ruins, scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and excellent local taverns.

Three scintillating minutes to the beach, a delightful dwelling boasting three spacious bedrooms, one immaculate bathroom, an expansive kitchen, and a generously proportioned living area doubling as a dining room or sitting room – no verdant garden here, but a flat-screen TV, high-speed wifi, and a warm embrace for families with children and furry friends alike. Welcome home!

You’re welcome to make yourself at home, as I’ve got things here, but you’ll have free reign of the entire space. Surrounded by friendly neighbors and nestled in a charming village.

The seashore is an ideal spot for finding shells, observing birds, exploring rock pools, and there’s plenty of sand for relaxation. You can grab a bite at the nearby cafe. Dogs are permitted but their territory changes with different seasons. Enjoy scenic coastal walks, visit the local castle, and immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside.

‘A fantastic starting point for exploration, adventures, or a peaceful retreat; ideal for relaxation. The youth will especially enjoy its spacious beach perfect for play.’

Wynne has been promoting it as well, on his public Facebook page, inviting his numerous followers with, “If you’re interested in a getaway in western Wales, take a peek here.

The Wild Vine Cottage is a standalone residence spanning approximately 1,270 square feet, currently valued at around £251,000.

In 2019, the property was last sold for £155,000. Since then, it has experienced a significant rise in value, amounting to approximately £96,000. It’s worth noting that the average price of property on High Street is currently around £384,000.

Seven female individuals lodged complaints with the BBC regarding Wynne’s behavior towards them, one of which alleged that he made an inappropriate remark about a pregnant woman’s chest during a video conference on Zoom.

A week after being dismissed from his BBC Wales morning radio program, the opera singer contested on ITV’s This Morning that no accusations had been leveled against him, following the disclosures made by The Mail on Sunday.

On the show last Wednesday, he asserted to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard that no one had ever lodged a complaint against him.

In the timeframe spanning from July 2023 to August 2024, BBC Wales staff lodged seven distinct complaints, with one of these periods falling after Wynne had been invited to participate in Strictly Come Dancing the previous year.

Four complaints were lodged against him prior to his involvement with Strictly, which prompts speculation as to why the producers decided to include him in the dance program.

Three more were made after he had been chosen for the show.

In January, a report detailing his conduct was compiled for a potential disciplinary meeting. However, he expressed that he couldn’t attend due to mental health concerns.

In a regrettable turn of events, I, as the frontman for Go Compare, found myself embroiled in controversy during my stint on Strictly Come Dancing. The Mail on Sunday reported in January that I had been filmed using an offensive term, referencing a three-way sexual act, towards my co-star Jamie Borthwick about professional dancer Janette Manrara. This remark was made during the launch of the Strictly Live Tour. After offering an apology, I decided to step away from the tour.

Previously, Wynne found himself involved in an awkward situation concerning inappropriate physical contact with his dance partner on Strictly, Katya Jones.

One source said of the BBC Wales complaints: ‘Some of the comments he made were awful.

Picture this scenario where someone makes a remark about a pregnant woman’s chest. Such behavior left numerous women feeling uneasy or awkward.

An unidentified ex-coworker shared with the Member of Parliament that the issues were widely acknowledged within the staff at the Welsh broadcasting company, yet due to perceived invincibility surrounding Evans, they felt apprehensive about voicing their concerns, as it might negatively impact their careers.

She said: ‘That’s why he got away with it for so long and why he will get away with it.’

The woman revealed how the father-of-two’s inappropriate behaviour ‘built up over the years’.

Initially, he was regarded as a fool and a jester, but later, his behavior evolved into something darker and became increasingly inappropriate and awkward, making it difficult to be near him and collaborate effectively.

“These grievances are indeed genuine. It’s not about a handful of off-color jokes; it’s about multiple instances where his behavior has been inappropriate. Several women have come forward with their concerns, yet he continued unabated despite being cautioned repeatedly.

The defense he uses, ‘I’m merely a reflection of my era, it was just a jest…’ However, eras have passed, and such behavior is no longer acceptable, particularly when prior warnings have been issued.

A representative from the BBC stated: ‘We handle concerns brought to our attention diligently, and we have strong procedures set up for addressing such matters.’

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2025-06-19 04:30

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