Strictly Come Dancing has found itself under renewed public scrutiny following reports that Wynne Evans has launched legal action against the producers of the show’s live tour, alleging serious medical negligence. Wynne, widely recognised as the charismatic tenor behind the iconic Go Compare adverts, is said to have sustained significant injuries while participating in the Strictly Live tour earlier this year. The 53-year-old Welsh performer reportedly suffered a painful double fracture along with two torn ligaments after a fall that occurred during the demanding dance schedule of the tour. According to sources close to the situation, the incident has not only left Wynne physically affected but has also raised questions about the handling of medical care on set and the support provided to injured cast members. As the legal proceedings begin to unfold, fans and insiders alike are awaiting further developments, with many expressing concern over the show’s duty of care to its celebrity participants — particularly when injuries of this scale occur. The situation has cast a shadow over the otherwise glamorous and high-energy tour, sparking conversations about backstage safety and the physical demands placed on contestants.
However, insiders claim that instead of receiving proper medical attention, Wynne was bandaged up and told to carry on performing, despite being in “agony”.
The Strictly star is claiming that producers forced him to dance with a fractured foot (Credit: ITV)
Wynne Evans ‘suing’ Strictly Tour producers
“He was basically strapped up and told to keep smiling and carry on,” a source close to the singer told The Sun.
“The following night, he had to pull out of Glasgow, then the next day it all kicked off, just as his foot started to swell up.”
Wynne left the tour shortly after a video emerged of him making a lewd comment about Strictly co-stars Janette Manrara and Jamie Borthwick. After the scandal, Wynne issued an apology for his words.
He is now said to be suing Phil McIntyre Entertainments, the company responsible for the tour.
The claim includes personal injury and a lack of proper medical provision backstage. He is also requesting a reported £11,000 in unpaid performance fees.
“Wynne’s lawyers told him he had a legitimate injury claim. His physio costs are spiralling. He hasn’t been allowed to work during this time. So he’s decided to sue the production company, something that won’t be affecting taxpayers,” the source added.
Wynne left the Strictly Live Tour after making a lewd comment about his co-stars (Credit: Cover Images)
Strictly injuries
An MRI scan later confirmed the severity of the injury: a broken foot, a fractured ankle, and two snapped ligaments. Wynne is still reportedly struggling to walk without pain nearly four months on from the incident.
In addition to the legal action, Wynne was suspended from his BBC Radio Wales show after the Birmingham incident. The station has since seen a noticeable drop in listener figures. Many fans have linked the decline to his absence.
Meanwhile, Wynne’s case isn’t the first time a Strictly star has danced through injury.
Zara McDermott reportedly performed with a stress fracture. She underwent surgery for the injury.
Paralympian Will Bayley suffered “life-altering” injuries after a fall during rehearsals.
Wynne’s legal action comes at a turbulent time for the Strictly brand, as questions mount over duty of care and behind-the-scenes protocols during live performances.
ED! has contacted the BBC, Wynne’s solicitors and the Phil McIntyre Entertainment for comment.