BBC Strictly Come Dancing star breaks silence after Blackpool exit

The eighth celebrity to bid farewell to Strictly Come Dancing 2024 was revealed to be opera singer Wynne Evans last night (Sunday, November 11). Known for his powerful voice and memorable appearances in the Go Compare adverts, Wynne expressed immense joy over his journey on the BBC hit series with professional dance partner Katya Jones.

Despite a Charleston performance that failed to impress the judges during Sunday's (November 17) results show at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Evans remained positive after being eliminated. Facing Olympian Montell Douglas and pro dancer Johannes Radebe in the dance-off, Wynne and Katya found themselves at the bottom due to the combined public vote and judges' scores.

After their exit, following an attempt to dazzle with Georges Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 1:5. Les Toreadors, Wynne shared his uplifting outlook: "It's been wonderful, I've got to say. I feel like it's what Strictly is all about."

He also left viewers with an inspiring message, encouraging everyone to dance and enjoy themselves, adding, "Strictly is such a brilliant family, such a precious family, that I want everybody here in this room and at home to look after it for the generations to come because it is a wonderful, wonderful thing.", reports the Express.

With an unwavering smile, Jones shared his feelings: "To be honest with you, the smile hasn't left my face since the first day of our training, since the day we got partnered up. You (Wynne) have made this experience so joyous and so full of laughter for me."

He continued to praise his partner, "I'm sure everybody was jealous because you're the kind of guy that everybody wants in their life. You bring light, you bring laughter, you bring charisma, you fill up every room you walk into with those qualities."

Wynne responded with equal warmth: "To have been partnered with Katya has been amazing and coming every Saturday night to hang out with these guys (my other contestants), that's been wonderful. But to spend every weekday dancing has been just fantastic. I've grown so much and I'm so thankful to have met this person (Katya)."

The Saturday (November 16) show dazzled audiences with a special treat as the Pet Shop Boys premiered their new single 'All The Young Dudes', while the professional dancers delivered a captivating performance choreographed to Jacob Gade's 'Jalousie' tango.

Despite Montell's high score of 35 points from the judges, she found herself perilously close to elimination. However, it was Pete Wicks who narrowly avoided being sent home by the skin of his teeth, thanks to the public vote, even though he had only received 27 points from the panel.