BBC launches investigation into Strictly stars' ‘cocaine use'
According to reports, the allegations were made in a legal submission by law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, who was dropped by the BBC after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour.
Others have also reported drug use on the show, according to The Sun.
A BBC spokesperson said: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.
'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.'
it is understood that the BBC often appoints external law firms to help it lead investigations, while reporting back to an internal team.
The cast members involved in the investigation were not named by The Sun.
It comes after the BBC launched a review into Strictly in 2024 that looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington.
The corporation upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made – and introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving welfare.
This included the introduction of a chaperone who is present 'at all times' during training room rehearsals.
EastEnders star James Borthwick was also suspended from the BBC after a video emerged of the actor using a disabled slur on the set of the dance programme.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
7 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Adrian Dunbar issues fresh Line of Duty series 7 update
Appearing on This Morning on Thursday, 7 August, Dunbar was in the studio to talk about the ITV detective show Ridley. But before long, hosts Joel Dommett and Emma Willis gave in to temptation and asked him about the beloved BBC show Line of Duty. Adrian Dunbar gives an official update to when audiences can expect Line of Duty to return... and the answer may surprise you! 👀 Since the series six finale in 2021, fans have been speculating about whether there will be another instalment. Over the past year, there have been varying responses from key cast members, including the faces of the show, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston. But despite his recent confirmation that series seven was on the way, Dunbar told Dommett and Willis he had called his agent about the show just hours earlier and had been told "there isn't any more real definite news". Willis asked him about his co-stars over the years: "Do you have favourites?" and Dunbar delighted Line of Duty fans everywhere by replying: "Vicky and Martin, obviously." Recommended reading: Line of Duty set for 2026 return as Adrian Dunbar updates Line of Duty season 7 filming to begin in 2026 reports say Martin Compston responds to Line of Duty series 7 rumours It nicely teed up a question about the show's future, and Dunbar said: "When it happens, yes, absolutely we'll be excited to go back." He added: "We actually don't know if it's going to happen. I actually called my agent this morning to see if there was any more news, but there isn't any more real definite news about it, sadly, so we're just going to have to wait. "Everybody wants to know that it's happening, and so do we."
Metro
7 minutes ago
- Metro
Chris Hughes reveals old-fashioned way he confessed his feelings to JoJo Siwa
TV personality Chris Hughes has revealed the old-school way he declared his true romantic feelings to his girlfriend JoJo Siwa. The Love Island star, 32, and the pop singer, 22, have been dating ever since they fell for each other during the 2025 series of Celebrity Big Brother. Britain watched on as Chris and JoJo's friendship blossomed on the ITV reality show, eventually confirming they were together after the grand final. In order to begin dating the ITV Racing commentator, JoJo left her partner of four months – Australian influencer Kath Ebbs – while Chris began his first public relationship since 2022. And Chris has now revealed how he managed to woo JoJo during a surprise trip to her native USA, with a decisive night in Florida proving crucial. He explained to The Sun: 'I was confused about how I felt. Then I wasn't confused anymore. I knew I needed to write it down to explain to her how I was feeling.' Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The two insisted for a while that their relationship was only platonic, but that didn't last long, with the Florida holiday proving to be a sweet display of their budding love. 'I went to Florida thinking 'I really like this person', but I was slightly confused about the feelings,' he began, adding that the trip was to celebrate JoJo's birthday. 'I took all these presents over for her. They were fun and sentimental gifts rather than anything of monetary value. The night before her birthday, I realised my feelings had changed.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Upon arrival, Chris informed JoJo that he had to do something 'important' – he went to the hotel reception and borrowed a pen before heading back up to their hotel room to re-write a birthday card he'd planned to give her. 'I knew my feelings had changed – there was so much more that I needed to say than what I originally put in the birthday card. I wasn't confused anymore, and I knew what my heart was saying, and I wanted to tell her.' Since then, Chris and JoJo – whose real name is Joelle – have been official and exclusive, with Chris now saying he absolutely wants to get married and have children one day. Speaking to The Sun, he admitted: 'I'd love to marry her. I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I run through scenarios of our wedding day. We'd have a proper English wedding and I can imagine her in a full wedding dress. More Trending 'We both want kids,' he added. 'We come from loving families. My mum loves her. She's my best friend. I love that she's the person I have to do nothing with and still have the best time. That's everything to me.' However, it does seem that during this honeymoon phase for the pair of them, Chris might be confessing a little too much – he's been asked to keep some things to himself. In a candid interview with E! on Instagram, he revealed that JoJo has 'called my balls Jimmy and Timmy', with users in the comments reminding him that some things can stay private. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: JoJo Siwa accused of 'disrespecting' Eminem with new single MORE: Jojo Siwa's ex Kath Ebbs reveals new romance after being left for Chris Hughes MORE: Chris Hughes hits out at 'disgusting' trolling of girlfriend JoJo Siwa
Scottish Sun
7 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Hit drama axed after just two series despite prime time BBC slot
The second series only started airing on BBC One last week PAST ITS PRIME Hit drama axed after just two series despite prime time BBC slot A HIT drama has been axed after just two series - despite a prime time BBC slot. Nicola Walker played the detective in the drama - which first launched in 2023. 3 A drama has been axed after just two series - despite a prime time BBC slot Credit: BBC 3 Nicola Walker played the lead detective in Annika Credit: UKTV / Graeme Hunter However, it has now been revealed that there are no plans for Annika to be renewed for a third series. A spokesperson told Radio Times: "We are incredibly proud of the success of Annika on U&Alibi, but there are no current plans for a third series." Annika aired on U&Alibi in 2023, while the second series started airing on BBC One in a prime time Saturday evening shot last week. The show was based on the BBC Radio 4 audio drama - which Nicola also starred in - called Annika Stranded. The cast also included Katie Leung, Jamie Sives, Ukweli Roach, Kate Dickie and Varada Sethu. Paul McGann also had a recurring role as Annika's love interest, Jake Strathearn. Meanwhile, it was revealed last month that Unforgotten - an ITV drama Nicola starred in - is 'facing the axe'. Nicola left the show in 2023, and then this year's series was criticised for its woke storylines. Then Chris Lang, the brains behind the ITV thriller, said he wants to quit as writer after next year's run. He revealed: 'I'll probably hand on the baton after this series. I'll still be involved, but I've written 42 episodes and don't want to repeat myself.' Nicola Walker returns for The Split special in Barcelona In an interview with the Royal Television Society, Chris added: 'I wouldn't write it if I didn't have something to say about the state of the nation. 'Because Unforgotten has an inherent and robust structure, that allows me space to hold up a mirror to British society — it's a Trojan horse show.' But the show, which also stars Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunil Khan, has been slammed by some viewers for those 'Trojan horse' storylines that deal with themes including immigration, racism and the Covid crisis. 3 The future of Nicola's former show Unforgotten is also hanging in the balance according to reports Credit: ITV Annika airs Saturday at 9.10pm on BBC One.
