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Wynne Evans announces new venture in home town of Carmarthen following BBC exit

Wynne Evans announces new venture in home town of Carmarthen following BBC exit

Wales Online08-07-2025
Wynne Evans announces new venture in home town of Carmarthen following BBC exit
Following a turbulent time, Welsh opera star Wynne Evans has announced a new project in the town of his birth
After a year of upheaval, which included being dropped from the BBC and the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, Wynne Evans has revealed an exciting new venture.
The 53-year-old opera singer, widely recognised for his powerful voice in the GoCompare adverts, is set to open a restaurant in his native Carmarthen. He's teased that visitors can expect "MasterChef dishes on the menu".

Taking to Instagram, Wynne shared with his followers: "Hello, Wynne here. This is my hometown of Carmarthen. It is ever-changing and one thing that is changing is the Welsh House. It's going to become the Welsh House by Wynne."

He continued: "I promise you it will have MasterChef dishes on the menu, it's going to have a fabulous warm welcome and I want you to come and see me, OK? It's going to be the home of the radio show too. So I'll see you soon. I'd better get cooking."
It is believed that Wynne has secured the Welsh House venue in Carmarthen's town centre, aiming to leverage his recent MasterChef victory.
A source told The Sun: "It's a prime location in the centre of Carmarthen. He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently."
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Wynne has started a new career in his hometown
(Image: wynneevans/Instagram )
This development follows a challenging period for Wynne, who parted ways with the BBC and faced controversy after being removed from the Strictly Come Dancing live tour earlier this year, despite clinching the Celebrity MasterChef title in 2023, reports the Mirror.
He made a comment that was considered sexually inappropriate during a photocall, which triggered a four-month investigation by the BBC into his conduct.

Wynne, who appeared on Strictly last year alongside dance partner Katya Jones, 36, had previously been compelled to issue an apology during his stint on the programme following an incident where he was photographed with his hand positioned on Katya's waist, which she subsequently moved away. Both parties later explained to supporters that it had been an inside joke between them.
Wynne is set to open a new restaurant
(Image: wynneevans/Instagram )
Whilst on tour, he encountered additional criticism for "inappropriate and unacceptable" language in an exchange with presenter Janette Manrara.

Following the controversy, Wynne withdrew from both the tour and his BBC Radio Wales programme, stating at the time: "I've agreed with the BBC that I'll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing. I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection."
Wynne has started up his own radio adventure
(Image: ITV )
Last month, Wynne announced his departure from BBC Radio Wales, as the station chose not to renew his contract. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters, stating: "From the very depths of my heart - thank you. These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know."
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He continued with a heavy heart: "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. That show wasn't just work-it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family."
Despite this setback, Wynne is eager to remain on the air and shared his plans for an independent venture. He said: "But here's what I believe with everything I've got: what we built cannot end here. So - deep breath - here goes... We're getting the band back together."
He revealed the details of his new project: "The Wynne Evans Show is coming back, live every day from 9am - 12pm on a new app, on Alexa and Google (we don't have to say 'smart speaker' anymore! ) and at www.wynneevansshow.co.uk. This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever. We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again."
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