Strictly Come Dancing bosses have delivered their verdict on the future of the BBC show after a male star was arrested on suspicion of rape.
The male suspect is reportedly being ‘quizzed by police over allegations involving non-consensual intimate image abuse’.
Now, sources at the BBC have reportedly insisted the allegations do not involve anyone on this year’s series and said therefore the show will continue as normal.
According to The Mirror, bosses are confident the dance show, including training sessions, can carry on. They also reported that a police investigation is continuing.
The Met Police said the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.
A Met spokesman told Daily Mail: ‘On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have delivered their verdict on the future of the BBC show after a male star was arrested on suspicion of rape
‘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 Met Police also added the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.’
There is nothing to suggest this is related to the current Strictly production.
It’s the biggest crisis the scandal-hit show has had to face, just weeks before the 2025 series returns to screen.
During the last series, Wynne Evans, 53, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event. He denied it was a sexual remark but was later sacked by the BBC.
In 2023, Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about Giovanni Pernice, 34, being ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’.
It’s the biggest crisis the scandal-hit show has had to face, just weeks before the 2025 series returns to screen
One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath (Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly seen)
Whilst he was cleared of the ‘overwhelming majority’ of allegations, a probe did uphold some of her complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
The same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott, 28, was left ‘incredibly distressed’ following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, 31, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing.
The broadcaster has already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath.
The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker.
The publication have now reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year’s show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours.
A TV insider said: ‘The person in question is renowned for loving to party, and that is a major problem when it impacts on their ability to do the job they need to do on Strictly in a safe and professional manner.
This comes amid the revelation that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals
‘It’s not just about something being illegal or legal, it’s about the BBC‘s workplace policies and how the behaviour of certain individuals can impact on their work colleagues.
‘On a very physical show like Strictly, with lots of sets and moving parts, the idea of someone being intoxicated in any way is wholly unacceptable.’
A member of the crew, who reportedly worked on show for a decade until 2023, broke their silence on Strictly’s wild behind the scenes parties which they claimed were fulled by drink and drugs.
He told The Sun: ‘The main partying is on site at Elstree after filming of the live show has finished. Boozing and drug taking goes on until 3am, sometimes 4am. The smoking area outside is a hive of activity. Cocaine gets taken there.’
