Go Compare: The most annoying man on telly is back as Gio Compario returns for new advert
Gio Compario, played by Welshman Wynne Evans is back on our screens after 18 months as Go Compare launches major national advertising campaign
He may have been the star of what was dubbed "Britain's most annoying TV ad" but tonight Gio Compario returned to the small screen for the first time in 18 months as Go Compare launched its biggest ever marketing campaign.
And while Gio, played by Welsh tenor Wynne Evans, may have been gagged from singing the irritatingly catchy jingle the last few times he appeared, he has found his voice again.
After a 24-hour build up, which saw a series of on-screen teasers, the 90-second ad finally aired during ITV's Surprise Surprise and reached an audience of more than eight million.
Just in case you missed it - here it is:
It featured thousands of awestruck fans packing out a stadium as Gio and his trademark twirly moustache took to the stage to sing a new ballad-style arrangement of the Go Compare song alongside a 70-piece orchestra.
Related: The 9 most unforgettable Welsh advertising campaigns
Meanwhile, facts and figures about the Newport-based money comparison website flashed up behind him along with the hashtag #GioReturns
It will be followed by a cinema advert and an outdoor campaign which will see billboards featuring Gio's face popping up in town's and cities across the UK, including London and Cardiff.
'I'll have to get the moustache out again'
The man behind Gio for the last six years couldn't be more thrilled that his alter ego is back and singing again.
"It's been brilliant to do - you can really enjoy something when it comes second time round," said Evans, who lives with wife Tanwen and their two children in Cardiff,
The larger-than-life character was last seen on our screens in January 2014 driving a bus but Evans, who presents a weekly show for BBC Radio Wales, has remained under contract with the company.
"There was always an idea that one day Gio would come back but it had to be when the time was right," he said. "But when I got the phone call I couldn't believe it and just said to Tan, 'I think I'll have to get the moustache out again and, not only that, he's going to be singing'."
From creative duo Chris and Sian Wilkins - whose credits include Sheila's Wheels and the Smash martians - the advert was filmed at an ice hockey stadium in Prague over five days with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and a group of extras acting as the crowd.
In post production CGI was used to expand the size of the stadium.
'It's a much calmer performance'
Carmarthen-born Evans, a trained opera singer who has worked with Welsh National Opera and the Royal Opera House, was involved in the new musical arrangement and he says it was a challenge turning it into a ballad.
"It's a much calmer performance - he's not jumping around on stage and twiddling his moustache."
While Gio may have a bit of a Marmite reaction among the public - you either love him or hate him - 43-year-old Evans still gets inundated with Gio fans singing the theme tune at him.
And he says he's not bothered by those who aren't so keen on the character.
"It did bother me at first as it's horrible to read that people don't like you but no one has come up to me and said, 'I hate you'."
Evans is already signed up for further ads but we may well be seeing a lot less of Gio in future as the singer has shed 5st by cutting out the carbs.