Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has opened up about why judge Shirley Ballas saved him from elimination during a tense moment on the show.

The Welsh singer and actor, who is known for his opera performances and his role as Gio Compario in the Go Compare adverts, has become a fan favorite this season.

However, his journey on the dance floor was far from smooth, as he found himself in the dance-off in a recent episode.

In a candid interview, Wynne revealed that Shirley Ballas, one of the show’s head judges, made the pivotal decision to save him when it came down to a tough choice. Wynne had been up against another couple in the dance-off, and while the decision was ultimately down to the judges, Shirley’s intervention was a game-changer for his survival in the competition. Reflecting on the moment, Wynne shared his gratitude, stating that Shirley “saw sense” in deciding to keep him in the running.

Wynne emphasized that Shirley’s choice was especially significant because it was clear that she recognized his potential and the progress he had made since joining the show. He admitted that he had been working hard to improve his technique and performances each week, and the validation from Shirley was an important boost to his confidence. As a professional in the industry, Shirley knows exactly what is needed to succeed on Strictly Come Dancing, and Wynne appreciated her decision to give him another chance to continue his journey on the dance floor.

“I’ve been giving it my all, and Shirley saw the effort I put in,” Wynne explained. “She didn’t just look at the mistakes, she looked at my potential and how far I’ve come. I think she saw sense in keeping me on. I’m so grateful.”

Wynne’s co-star also weighed in on the moment, praising Shirley for her discerning eye and her ability to make tough but fair decisions. They explained that the judges have to balance their critiques with their understanding of the contestants’ abilities and their potential to grow, and Shirley’s choice reflected this mindset. By saving Wynne, Shirley allowed him to continue to improve and take his dancing to the next level, despite any slip-ups or imperfections in his routines.

This episode was particularly tense for Wynne, as Strictly is notorious for its emotional highs and lows. Being in the bottom two is always a nerve-wracking experience for the celebrities, but the support from the judges, especially Shirley, gave him the chance to prove himself further in the competition. Fans have been quick to rally behind him, showing appreciation for his perseverance and enthusiasm, as well as his infectious personality.

Shirley’s decision to save Wynne also highlights her role as a judge who is willing to make the hard calls based on a contestant’s growth, effort, and potential rather than just the performance on the night. While judges often have to weigh up the technical aspects of each routine, Shirley’s decision reinforced the notion that Strictly is also about the journey, the hard work behind the scenes, and the ability to evolve as a dancer.

As the competition heats up, Wynne’s path to the final may still be uncertain, but with the support of Shirley Ballas and his fans, he’s determined to keep pushing forward. He’s committed to working even harder in the coming weeks to improve his technique, impress the judges, and prove that he deserves his spot on the Strictly Come Dancing stage.

Wynne’s emotional reaction to being saved is a testament to how much the show means to him, and it’s clear that the experience is one he will never forget. As the season continues, fans will be eager to see how he progresses and whether Shirley’s faith in him will be rewarded as he takes on more challenging routines.

Ultimately, this moment exemplifies what Strictly is all about: second chances, growth, and the magic of watching celebrities take on new challenges with passion and determination. For Wynne Evans, Shirley Ballas’ decision to save him was more than just a reprieve—it was an opportunity to prove himself and continue striving toward his goal of becoming a Strictly champion.