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.
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Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
BBC launches probe into ‘cocaine use' by Strictly stars
The BBC has launched an investigation into alleged cocaine use by two Strictly Come Dancing stars. Reports in The Sun allege their drug use was discussed on the show, and that the BBC had appointed law firm Pinsent Masons to lead the investigation. 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. Borthwick apologised, saying he was 'deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused'.
Sky News
3 hours ago
- Sky News
Strictly Come Dancing: BBC responds as two TV stars accused of taking cocaine
The BBC has responded after it was reported that two Strictly Come Dancing stars have been accused of taking cocaine. The broadcaster is said to have hired an external law firm to probe the drug-taking allegations, which a source said were "well-known" on the show, The Sun on Sunday reports. The claims were reportedly made on behalf of celebrity contestant Wynne Evans in a legal submission to the BBC in March. In response, a BBC spokesperson told Sky News: "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." Sky News understands that it is not unusual for the BBC to engage an external individual to provide additional expert resource to help deliver a BBC-led investigation. In these cases, they would report to an established BBC team. The allegations published in The Sun on Sunday include a source saying that one Strictly star had told another about a third celebrity on the show: "Have you seen their pupils... they're off their face." "The BBC have known about these allegations for some time, and acknowledged receiving them. Now they are taking firm action," the source reportedly said. The two individuals accused of drug taking have not been named. It is the latest crisis to hit the BBC and Strictly. In July last year, Amanda Abbington accused Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice of "abusive or threatening behaviour". The actress, who was paired with Pernice, withdrew from the show in 2023. The BBC upheld "some, but not all" of the allegations, with Abbington describing an apology from the corporation as a "vindication", while Pernice denied displaying "abusive or threatening behaviour". In the same month, Strictly professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima confirmed he was leaving the show amid reports of alleged misconduct. Separately, Laura Whitmore alleged "inappropriate behaviour" during her time on the show.
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3 hours ago
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Mariah Carey says she will ‘always be there' for the LGBTQ+ community at Pride
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