OPERA singer Wynne Evans is renowned for his annoyingly catchy Go Compare alter-ego – Gio Compario.
The professional performer, from Carmarthen, Wales, puts his wonderful windpipes to use in commercials for the price comparison website.
Who is Wynne Evans the Go Compare opera singer?
For more than a decade, Wynne has featured in Go Compare’s advertisement campaigns.
In the ads, irritating character Gio shows off his rotund physique in a tight suit, complete with a green and white bow tie, and the unique look is finished off with an eccentric curly moustache.
But during the coronavirus lockdown, the adverts have featured Wynne as himself speaking in his natural Welsh accent, talking to his alter ego.
Wynne has even screened clips of himself singing in front of a packed audience, as he showed viewers a glimpse of his real life.
What does Wynne Evans earn in the role?
There’s no doubt that the Gio Compario character has had a positive impact on the Go Compare adverts.
In 2009, the comparison website reported a pre-tax profit of £12 million, when the ads started, compared with a £4million loss in 2008.
The role has also undoubtedly changed Wynne’s life, as it’s reported that he was paid £450,000 deal for a two year contract with Go Compare.
Wynne previously said the money he got from Go Compare was "life changing", saying the steady pay packet allowed him to finally clear his debts.
He told Thisismoney: "When I started out as a singer, I lived hand to mouth."
And speaking about his credit card bills, he said: "I didn’t run up a massive debt – about £1,500 – and I managed it properly, but I had it hanging over me for a long time, about ten years. I only paid it off when I got my first cheque from Go Compare.
"I’m in a very privileged position where people will pay me to do what I love doing, and playing Gio Compario is the best job I’ve ever had in my life.
"I can’t tell you how much, but it’s changed my life."
Wynne said he "owes everything" to those adverts.
As well as paying off debts, the paycheck allowed him to buy a Mercedes ML 4x4 for £45,000 and a £30,000 Mercedes convertible with red seats.
While Gio is instantly recognisable, the singer does look a lot less barmy in real life, but he admitted that he’s never had to wear a fat suit for the role.
While Wynne’s character comically riles up the audience with his exasperating jingle, the experienced singer has entertained thousands on stage.
Where did Wynne Evans train and has he released his own music?
The expert opera singer honed his craft at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before attending the National Opera Studio.
After landing the Go Compare deal, Wynne was cast in the 25th Anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera, which was performed at the Royal Albert Hall.
Not only has Wynne proved a success on the theatrical stage, he’s also an accomplished recording artist.
In 2011, he released his debut album, A Song in My Heart.
Thankfully, his own tunes went down a lot better than the Go Compare commercials, as his album shot straight to the number one spot in the UK Classical Charts.
The flamboyant singer has also made a name for himself presenting on BBC Radio Wales, where he had his own show: Wynne Evans, Big Welsh Weekend.
In 2012, Wynne featured on podcast The Guide to Opera, which was broadcast on Classic FM, where he’s since become a regular host.
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