Evans has now hit out at what he said were “lies” reported by the media, and said on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast: “I’m still astounded that people are allowed to write any, for want of a better word, lies that they want. “I’m disappointed that I’ve seen that side of life.

Three of the Strictly judges including Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke opted to save Montell, with head judge Shirley Ballas confirming she too would have saved the Olympian from elimination in brutal scenes on Sunday night.

Opera singer Wynne Evans was overcome with emotion when fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jamie Borthwick surprised him with a tribute following his departure from the BBC competition, saying: “I’ve got a friend for life”.