Wynne Evans Reportedly Departs GoCompare Advertising Campaign
Wynne Evans, the performer synonymous with GoCompare’s advertising campaigns, has reportedly been removed from the company’s commercials. This decision follows a controversy stemming from Evans’ involvement with Strictly Come Dancing, where he was excluded from the tour after making an inappropriate remark regarding host Janette Manrara. The 53-year-old singer had become a recognizable figure in the insurance comparison company’s marketing since 2009, embodying the character Gio Compario. However, his absence from GoCompare’s latest advertisement suggests a definitive shift in the company’s strategy.
Source Suggests “Headache” for GoCompare
According to a source cited by the Mail on Sunday, the situation has presented considerable challenges for GoCompare. “The entire affair has been a significant issue for GoCompare. Deciding on Wynne’s future has been difficult, as he is undeniably central to their brand identity. Furthermore, his presence in current advertisements has become problematic, making it preferable to exclude him from upcoming productions,” the source stated. The current GoCompare advertisement, frequently broadcast on ITV, features a cartoon representation of Gio Compario, but does not include Evans himself.
GoCompare and Evans’ Representative Contacted for Comment
Express.co.uk has reportedly reached out to both GoCompare and Wynne Evans’ representative for statements regarding the situation.
Lucrative Contract Reportedly Concluded
Evans’ contract for the advertising campaigns was believed to be valued at approximately £200,000 annually. The performer, a father of two, had previously acknowledged the significant impact of the GoCompare role on his career.
Strictly Come Dancing Incident Preceded GoCompare Decision
This reported dismissal is the latest professional setback for Evans following the emergence of footage capturing an inappropriate comment made at the Strictly Come Dancing tour press launch.
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Inappropriate Comment Led to Tour Exclusion
Evans was dropped from the Strictly tour after it was revealed that he used a sexually suggestive phrase to describe Janette Manrara during what was intended as a private joke with Jamie Borthwick, his EastEnders co-star at the time.
Initial Warning Preceded Public Outcry
Initially, BBC executives reportedly issued a warning to Evans. However, mounting public disapproval seemingly influenced a subsequent, more decisive action.
Evans Apologised and Took Time Off
The Welsh opera singer issued an apology for his conduct and also temporarily stepped back from his BBC Wales radio program in the aftermath of the controversy.
“I have agreed with the BBC to take a period of absence from my radio show, the Strictly Live tour, and other public engagements to prioritize my well-being,” Evans stated in a formal statement. “I sincerely regret the distress caused by my inappropriate actions and intend to use this time for personal reflection.”
BBC Investigation Reportedly Delayed
Reports last month indicated that the BBC’s internal investigation into Evans’ behavior had been delayed, citing the Welsh tenor’s reported mental health struggles in the wake of the scandal.