Wynne Evans is one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers. A celebrated opera tenor, warm radio presenter and instantly recognisable through his “Go Compare” adverts. Evans’ journey offers a combination of music success, pop culture, and personal story, as it spans from major opera houses to British television and radio success.
Key Details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Wynne Evans BEM |
| Date of Birth | 27 January 1972 |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Net Worth | Estimated between £1 million and £5 million |
| Spouse | Tanwen Evans (married 1999; divorced 2016) |
| Children | Two (Ismay and Taliesin) |
| Current Partner | Liz Brookes |
| Key Awards | BEM (2022), Order of St John (2008), Gorsedd of the Bards (2012) |
| Education | Guildhall School of Music and Drama; National Opera Studio |
| Major Roles | Gio Compario (Go.Compare Ads), Nemorino, Cassio, The Duke, Rodolfo, Tamino, Alfredo, Jaquino, Fenton, etc. |
| Major Companies | Welsh National Opera, Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Opera North, Scottish Opera |
| TV Achievements | Winner, Celebrity MasterChef 2023; Participant, Strictly Come Dancing 2024 |
| Notable Albums | A Song in My Heart (No. 1 UK Classical Albums Chart, 2011) |
| Media Work | Regular presenter, BBC Radio Wales |
| Charitable Roles | Trustee, Elizabeth Evans Trust; Ambassador, St John Cymru Wales |
| Fun Fact | The “Gio Compario” moustache is a prosthetic; is a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan |
| Residence | Cardiff, Wales |
| Lifestyle | Significant weight loss and personal growth after divorce |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Wynne Evans (born James Wynne Evans BEM; 27 January 1972, Carmarthen) is a Welsh tenor who has worked in opera and television. His mother, Elizabeth Evans, runs music and cultural programs in their hometown. She founded the Carmarthen Youth Opera and Lyric Theatre. These and other organisations had a big impact on Wynne.
Evans undertook formal training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio in London, thus getting off to an excellent start on an operatic career.
Operatic Career and Achievements
Wynne Evans has one of the most diverse résumés of all British tenors. He has sung principal roles at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; Welsh National Opera; English National Opera; Opera North; and Scottish Opera. Some of his most famed performances are Ubaldo Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera (25th Anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall), Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Rodolfo in La Bohème, and Alfredo in La Traviata.
Evans’ debut solo album, A Song in My Heart (2011), debuted at No. 1 on the UK Classical Albums Chart, proof of his prowess off-stage. He has performed over 200 times at the Royal Albert Hall and has performed at opera houses from Paris Opera de Lyon to New York’s Metropolitan Opera over his career. He is also a versatile performer of oratorio, concert and contemporary opera.
From Opera Stage to National TV Star
Wynne Evans became a household name across the UK as the flamboyant and melodic “Gio Compario” in the Go. Compare adverts, starting in 2009. The role brilliantly showcases his vocal range and comic timing, earning him iconic status in British popular culture. Although initially a playful parody, the campaign’s success far exceeded expectations, catapulting Evans into widespread recognition.
Television, Radio, and Reality Success
Evans’ charisma translated naturally to television and radio. Besides regular appearances on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio 2, he’s hosted specials such as “Wynne Evans’ Big Welsh Weekend” and starred in his own BBC Wales shows. He’s equally adept at lighter entertainment, having won “Celebrity MasterChef” in 2023 and reached new audiences as a passionate and relatable competitor on “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2024.
Philanthropy and Honours
Evans’ contributions extend well beyond his artistic endeavours. He was honoured with the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours for his services to music, broadcasting, and charity. He is also a Member of the Order of St John and has supported numerous charitable initiatives, notably those focused on cancer care and arts education.
Family, Relationships, and Personal Life
Wynne Evans’ private life showcases the two artistic communities and real-life struggles. In 1999, he tied the knot with Tanwen Evans, a violinist. They had two children, Ismay and Taliesin, before they divorced in 2016. In 2025, Evans’ engagement to Liz Brookes ended shortly after their engagement, a fact he openly addressed in interviews. He discussed the dating scene and adjusting to life after the breakup. He stays close to his kids and loves his Welsh heritage very much.
Mental Health Advocacy and Public Scrutiny
Throughout the latter part of his career, Evans has become quite open about his mental health. He has shared stories of how he had to go through depression on a public forum. The intense media scrutiny and professional setbacks are largely to blame, according to Elliot. In 2025, following a controversy on the live reality series ‘Strictly Come Dancing Tour’, which received negative press and led to his exit from BBC Radio Wales, Evans urged people to show resilience and be aware of their mental health. These candid conversations have resonated with many people, further endearing him to them.
Recent Controversies and Media Headlines
A backstage remark made during the Strictly Live Tour in May 2025 caused quite the furore. Evans was swiftly taken off his presenting slot at BBC Radio Wales due to public outrage and media coverage. He apologised and said the comment had been misinterpreted; the fallout was swift, but he subsequently announced the launch of his own independent online radio show, demonstrating his determination to remain close to his audience.
In this episode, the pressures and pitfalls of modern celebrity life are explored. Also examined is Evans’ commitment to his audience, transparency, and personal growth.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Wynne Evans’ net worth is estimated between £1 million and £5 million as of 2025. While tabloid speculation has cited much larger numbers due to the visibility and longevity of the Go. Compare adverts, fact-based appraisals support the lower, though still substantial, estimate.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Wynne Evans has demonstrated positivity and resilience, even in the face of setbacks and controversies. He is almost a model for all operatic songs which try to crossover into pop and similar mainstream music. His work history demonstrates the power of reinvention. Through this, he demonstrates the importance of authenticity as both a performer and a human being.
FAQs About Wynne Evans
What is Wynne Evans’ most famous role?
Wynne Evans is best known as “Gio Compario” in the Go. Compare television adverts, a character that’s become a pop culture staple in the UK.
Has Wynne Evans won any major awards?
Yes, he has received the British Empire Medal (BEM), memberships in the Order of St John and the Gorsedd of the Bards, and he has two No. 1 classical music albums to his name.
What opera companies has Wynne Evans sung with?
He has performed principal roles with the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Welsh National Opera, English National Opera, Opera North, and Scottish Opera, among others.
How many children does Wynne Evans have?
Wynne Evans has two children, Ismay and Taliesin, from his marriage to violinist Tanwen Evans.
What controversy surrounded Wynne Evans in 2025?
He was dropped from BBC Radio Wales after a backstage remark during the Strictly Come Dancing tour was deemed inappropriate by some. Evans apologised for the “misinterpreted” comment and later restarted his broadcasting career independently.
What is Wynne Evans’ net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between £1 million and £5 million as of 2025, primarily from his work in opera, radio, and television, despite much higher speculative tabloid estimates.
How has Wynne Evans contributed to mental health awareness?
Evans has been open about his struggles with clinical depression, particularly after public controversies, and has advocated for resilience, seeking help, and speaking out about mental health in the arts and media.
What has Wynne Evans done for charity?
He is involved with numerous charitable organisations, including those focused on cancer care and Welsh arts causes, and performs regularly at high-profile benefit concerts.
Is Wynne Evans still active in entertainment?
Yes, following his departure from the BBC, he continues to perform, broadcast online, and engage with fans through music, special events, and digital radio