Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans has announced the death of his eldest brother Huw in an emotional social media post.
The 52-year-old opera singer and Go Compare star shared the news on Instagram alongside several photographs of himself with his late sibling.
“I’m so sad to say that my gorgeous eldest brother has passed away,” Evans wrote in the heartfelt tribute.
The Welsh performer continued: “My big brother was my hero and my inspiration.
“Huw my darling I will miss you so much and am so glad I got to have you with me all my life.”
The post included three pictures of the brothers together, with the final image showing them beaming at the camera as Evans wrapped an arm around Huw.
Wynne Evans starred in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing
BBC
Fellow Strictly stars rushed to offer their condolences in the comments section of Evans’ Instagram post.
Professional dancer Kai Widdrington responded with heart emojis, while Welsh dancer Amy Dowden wrote: “Sending you so much love Wynne.”
Dr Punam Krishan, who competed alongside Evans in the most recent series of Strictly, commented: “I’m so sorry to read this news. Sending you and your family lots of love.”
Dancer Carlos Gu also shared a message of support for his colleague.
Fans joined the Strictly stars in expressing their sympathies, with one follower writing: “So very very sorry for your loss @wynneevans Much love and deepest condolences to you and your family at this time xx.”
Another supporter commented: “Deepest sympathy to you and your family Wynne xxx.” (sic)
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from followers, with messages continuing to flood the comments section of Evans’ post.
The news comes as Evans prepares for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing live tour, which begins this month.
The singer has been sharing updates from rehearsals with his 105,000 Instagram followers.
Just yesterday, Evans expressed his excitement as official tour rehearsals began, sharing a picture of himself alongside fellow dancers Widdrington, Jamie Borthwick and Neil Jones.
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Wynne Evans and Katya Jones were the eighth couple to leave BBC Strictly
BBC
He is set to reunite with his Strictly partner Katya Jones for the tour, following their performances together in the most recent series of the BBC contest.
Evans’ time on Strictly came to an end before the grand finale in December, with the now-infamous “hand incident” with dance partner Jones marring his tenure on the show.