How Wynne Evans battled depression and loneliness before helping others struggling with mental health – as star is announced for Strictly Come dancing

Wynne Evans delighted fans on Tuesday when it was revealed he’s competing on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Welsh opera singer, 52, is known and beloved by millions in the UK as the former face of GoCompare, playing Gio Compario, an eccentric Italian tenor with a long and twirly moustache.

Yet away from the camera, Wynne was struggling with his mental health and battled depression and loneliness for years before opening up about his struggles in a bid to help others.

In May, Wynne revealed he had lost more than seven stone after hitting ‘rock bottom’ in the midst of his depression, stemming from the end of his marriage to Tanwen in 2016.

To mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, Wynne told BBC Radio Wales of the split: ‘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.’

How Wynne Evans battled depression and loneliness before helping others struggling with mental health ahead of signing up for Strictly Come Dancing

How Wynne Evans battled depression and loneliness before helping others struggling with mental health ahead of signing up for Strictly Come Dancing
Wynne, 52, has become the third contestant to be confirmed for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing after overcoming a years-long mental health battle

Wynne, 52, has become the third contestant to be confirmed for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing after overcoming a years-long mental health battle