Wynne Evans was born James (Image: BBC )

Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans dominated the headlines during his stint on the BBC competition series for a plethora of controversial moves. Although he burst onto the spotlight for his memorable operatic Go Compare chime, the singer fell from grace after being embroiled in scandals while performing on the glitzy dance-floor with pro Katya Jones. While several claims threatened to derail his place in the competition, it went largely unnoticed that Wynne actually goes by his middle name.

Before taking on the star-studded ballroom, the famous crooner was well known for his role as Gio Compario in the distinctive insurance advert, Go Compare. During which he dons a wig and moustache. However, away from his role, Wynne was actually born James Wynne Evans in 1972, in Carmarthen, Wales. When the 23rd series of Strictly kicked off in September, the star reflected on his year and admitted that it was “difficult.”

Katya and Wynne defended “grope-gate” as an “inside joke” (Image: BBC)

The tide turned for Wynne during last year’s Blackpool special, when fans spotted Katya repeatedly moving his hands from her waist.

Following a media storm from uncomfortable viewers, the duo addressed the clips and defended themselves, claiming it was an “inside joke”.

However, Wynne was then kicked off of Strictly’s live tour at the start of the year after it emerged he had made a comment that was deemed sexually inappropriate during a photo call.

In another devastating blow, the star was then axed by the BBC, who opted not to renew his one-year rolling BBC Radio Wales contract following a four-month investigation.

A spokesperson for the BBC said at the time: “Wynne Evans is not under contract with the BBC. He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales, and there are currently no plans to work with him.”

Wynne Evans was axed from the Strictly live tour (Image: BBC)

It was also reported that the singer had split from his girlfriend, Liz Brookes, who was said to have been “humiliated” by Wynne’s controversies.

Earlier this year, a source via The Sun claimed: “Liz 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. But Wynne seemed to develop a particularly close relationship with Katya and seems to have gotten carried away, which many suspected contributed to ‘gropegate’ happening…It was very difficult for Liz, but she continued to back him throughout the rest of the contest.”

When the new series was underway, Wynne reflected on his tumultuous year in an Instagram post, accompanied by a downcast selfie.

In the caption, he penned: “It’s a difficult time at the moment, so it’s important for me to stick to my mental health protocols even when you don’t feel like it. Let’s do this, listen to Wynne Evans Show for positivity #mentalhealth #dailyfail.”