Thom Evans is a former Scottish international rugby union player who traded the pitch for the catwalk and television screen after a devastating neck injury ended his sporting career. Known for his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor: Celebrity, he is now widely recognised as the fiancé of singer Nicole Scherzinger.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in England, Evans represented Scotland at the highest level before a single tackle changed the course of his life. His journey from athlete to model to entertainment personality offers a compelling story of resilience and reinvention.
This profile covers the key moments of his career, his high-profile relationships, and the facts that are known — and not known — about his life today.
Who is Thom Evans?
Thom Evans is best understood through a few defining facts: a brief but promising rugby career, a life-altering injury, a successful pivot into modelling, and a engagement that keeps him firmly in the celebrity spotlight.
- He played international rugby for Scotland and club rugby for Glasgow Warriors as a wing.
- A severe neck injury in 2010 forced him to retire from the sport at age 24.
- After rugby, he built a career in modelling and television.
- He competed in Series 12 of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
- In 2019, he appeared on The X Factor: Celebrity as part of the group Try Star.
- He became engaged to singer Nicole Scherzinger in mid-2023.
- His net worth has not been publicly disclosed.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rugby Career | Played for Glasgow Warriors, Scotland international; position: wing |
| Injury | Sustained a spinal cord injury in a match against Wales in 2010; forced retirement |
| Modelling | Modelled for brands like Armani and Reebok, appeared in fashion magazines |
| Television | Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing (2014) and The X Factor: Celebrity (2019) |
| Relationship | Engaged to Nicole Scherzinger since June 2023; previously dated Kelly Brook |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Birthplace | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Family | Cousin of British radio DJ Chris Evans |
What Happened to Thom Evans’ Rugby Career?
Thom Evans played as a wing for Scotland and the Glasgow Warriors. His career was cut short during a Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff in 2010. Evans suffered a serious neck injury that one report described as leaving him “a millimetre from paralysis or death.” Following medical advice, he retired from professional rugby at the age of 24.
How Did Thom Evans Get Injured?
The injury occurred during a tackle. Evans later spoke publicly about the incident, expressing gratitude that he was able to walk again after the accident. The severity of the injury ended what had been a promising international career.
What Was His Rugby Position?
Evans played primarily as a wing, a position that relies on speed and agility. He was known for his try-scoring ability during his time with Glasgow Warriors and the Scotland national side.
Did He Retire Immediately?
Yes. After the injury and the medical assessment, retirement was the only option. He did not play professional rugby again.
The injury was described as a spinal cord injury. Medical professionals advised him to stop playing immediately. He was 24 years old at the time of his forced retirement.
Who is Thom Evans Dating? Relationships and Personal Life
Thom Evans is engaged to Nicole Scherzinger, the former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. The two met when Evans appeared on The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019, where Scherzinger was a judge. Reports from June 2023 confirmed the couple is engaged.
Did Thom Evans Date Kelly Brook?
Yes. Evans was in a relationship with model and actress Kelly Brook. The relationship lasted from around 2011 to 2012.
Does Thom Evans Have Children?
Based on available information, there are no credible reports that suggest Thom Evans has children. This detail has not been confirmed or mentioned in any of the biographical sources covering his life.
Other Past Relationships
Evans has also been linked to actress Jessica Lowndes, though details of that relationship are not widely documented.
Evans and Scherzinger began their relationship after meeting on the set of The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019. Engagement reports surfaced in June 2023. As of early 2025, the couple is not yet married.
What Television Shows Has Thom Evans Appeared On?
After his rugby career ended, Evans transitioned into television. His most notable appearances came on two major UK reality shows.
Strictly Come Dancing
Evans competed in Series 12 of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014. He was partnered with professional dancer Iveta Lukosiute. The pair were eliminated in week 5 of the competition.
The X Factor: Celebrity
In 2019, Evans appeared on The X Factor: Celebrity as part of a group called Try Star, alongside fellow rugby players Levi Davis and Ben Foden. The group finished in fifth place.
Other Television Appearances
He also appeared on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls in 2016. According to one interview, Evans has expressed interest in pursuing acting in addition to modelling and TV work.
What is Thom Evans’ Net Worth?
Thom Evans’ net worth is not publicly disclosed. No authoritative source has provided a confirmed figure. Estimates found online vary widely, ranging from under $1 million to as high as $5 million, but these are speculative.
His income streams include modelling contracts, television appearance fees, and brand endorsements. He has modelled for brands such as Armani and Reebok and has appeared in men’s fitness and fashion magazines. He also maintains a social media presence, which can contribute to earnings through partnerships.
Without a formal disclosure, any net worth figure should be treated as an estimate.
Because Evans is a private individual who has not shared financial details publicly, no reliable net worth figure exists. Comparisons to other former athletes turned models are not directly applicable.
Timeline of Key Events in Thom Evans’ Life
- 2 April 1985: Born in Harare, Zimbabwe.
- 2007: Moved to Scotland and qualified to play for the Scotland national rugby team.
- 2008: Made his debut for Scotland.
- 2010: Suffered a career-ending neck injury during a match against Wales in the Six Nations.
- 2011–2012: Dated model Kelly Brook.
- 2014: Competed in Series 12 of Strictly Come Dancing.
- 2016: Appeared on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls.
- 2019: Competed on The X Factor: Celebrity as part of Try Star. Met Nicole Scherzinger.
- June 2023: Reports confirm engagement to Nicole Scherzinger.
- 2025: Continues modelling and pursuing acting opportunities.
What Is Known vs. What Remains Unclear About Thom Evans?
While many details of Thom Evans’ life are well documented, several areas remain uncertain. The table below separates established facts from information that is not confirmed.
Clearly Established
- He was a professional rugby player for Scotland and Glasgow Warriors.
- His career ended due to a severe neck injury in 2010.
- He has dated Kelly Brook and is currently engaged to Nicole Scherzinger (as of June 2023).
- He appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor: Celebrity.
Unconfirmed or Unclear
- His exact net worth is not publicly known.
- Whether he has any children is not confirmed; no credible reports suggest he does.
- Specific details about his acting career and roles are not widely documented.
- The precise date of his engagement is not universally reported, though multiple sources confirm it occurred in mid-2023.
What is the Broader Context of Thom Evans’ Story?
Thom Evans is a notable figure who successfully reinvented himself after a traumatic injury. His story resonates with audiences interested in resilience, celebrity culture, and sports. Despite a short rugby career, he is remembered for his speed and try-scoring ability. His injury raised awareness of spinal injuries in rugby.
His appearances on reality television significantly boosted his public profile and led to endorsement deals. His relationship with Scherzinger continues to attract media coverage. As of 2025, he remains active through social media and occasional public appearances, though no major new television projects have been announced.
For readers interested in similar career transitions, articles on Mark Wright – Biography, Wife, Net Worth and Career and Jay McGuiness – Biography, Strictly Win, Books & Personal Life may be of interest.
Sources and Key References
The information in this article is drawn from several publicly available sources, including official biographies and news reports. These include the Wikipedia entry for Thom Evans, the Scottish Rugby Union profile, and reports from the South China Morning Post.
Additional details on his rugby career and injury come from Ellis Rugby and The Review Mag. His Strictly Come Dancing participation is documented on the BBC Strictly profile.
No direct quotes from Thom Evans or his representatives were used in this article. All statements presented are based on published reports.
Summary: Who is Thom Evans?
Thom Evans is a Scottish former international rugby player who rebuilt his public identity as a model and television personality after a career-ending injury. He is engaged to singer Nicole Scherzinger, appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor: Celebrity, and continues to work in modelling and entertainment. While his net worth remains unconfirmed, his personal story of resilience following a severe spinal injury is widely documented. For a similar profile of another Strictly alum, see Jay McGuiness – Biography, Strictly Win, Books & Personal Life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thom Evans
What is Thom Evans’ full name?
His full name is Thomas Evans.
How tall is Thom Evans?
His height is not listed in any of the available biographical sources. Estimates suggest he is around 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), but this is not confirmed.
What position did Thom Evans play in rugby?
He played primarily as a wing.
Did Thom Evans win Strictly Come Dancing?
No. He was eliminated in week 5 of Series 12, partnered with Iveta Lukosiute.
Is Thom Evans married?
No. As of early 2025, he is engaged to Nicole Scherzinger. The engagement was reported in June 2023.
Does Thom Evans have children?
There are no credible reports or evidence suggesting that Thom Evans has children.
Was Thom Evans on The X Factor?
Yes. He competed in 2019 as part of the group Try Star, which finished in fifth place.
What is Thom Evans’ net worth?
His net worth has not been publicly disclosed. Published estimates are speculative and should not be treated as fact.
How did Thom Evans get injured?
He suffered a severe neck injury during a Six Nations match against Wales in 2010. The injury ended his rugby career.
Where was Thom Evans born?
He was born in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Priya Mehta is Economics & Policy Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, covering the UK economy, inflation, interest rates, fiscal policy and trade policy.