FLAGSHIP BBC show Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into a fresh crisis after one of its stars was arrested on suspicion of rape.
The male suspect is also being quizzed by police over allegations involving “non-consensual intimate image abuse”.
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The Met Police investigation comes after a BBC-led inquiry into claims of drug abuse by stars on the show.
A Met spokesman told The Sun on Sunday: “On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.
“This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us.
“The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing.”
The alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers, he added.
The dramatic development — separate from the upcoming series — is one of the biggest crises to be faced by the BBC since newsreader Huw Edwards dodged jail last year for possessing indecent images of children.
This month, we revealed the Beeb — with the help of lawyers Pinsent Masons — was probing claims that two Strictly stars had abused cocaine.
Last Monday, the Met said officers were looking into the allegations, confirming The Sun on Sunday’s exclusive story that the force had been called in.
We can now reveal the Met’s Sapphire sex crimes squad is investigating the alleged rape. The inquiry is separate to the drugs investigation.
A BBC spokesman said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation”.
The latest bombshell comes as celebrities are in training for the new series, which is starting next month.
A source said: “This is a clearly a huge concern to everyone connected to Strictly Come Dancing and the BBC, which is why it’s being treated very seriously.
“The BBC and its external lawyers are in contact with the police over the rape allegation, as well as the drugs claims. Both matters are being investigated by separate detectives.
“It’s far from an ideal situation, particularly as it’s just a few weeks until the new series starts, but these is a serious criminal investigations.”
Unrelated Strictly scandals include Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington accusing Giovanni Pernice of bullying and Graziano Di Prima being sacked for kicking celeb partner Zara McDermott.
The BBC has also sacked MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace due to inappropriate behaviour and his fellow host John Torode over an allegation he used a racist word.
And the Corporation has been hit by claims of bullying on BBC Breakfast — including some over presenter Naga Munchetty’s conduct.
MET POLICE STATEMENT
On Friday 22 August officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.
While the investigation is in its early stages we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us.
The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences.
Enquiries are ongoing and the victim is being supported by specialist officers.
