Strictly rocked by fresh scandal amid 'drug probe' after staffer claims they were offered cocaine by show star during wild alcohol fuelled afterparty

Daily Mail​

a day ago

Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by further scandal after a staffer claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show's stars.
This comes amid the revelation that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals.
In the latest turn of events a member of the crew, who reportedly worked on show for a decade until 2023, has broken 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'.
He went on to claim that drug use was so common on the show, that when he found a suspicious bag of white powder, a unfazed senior producer told him to 'leave it on my desk' as the incident failed to raise even an eyebrow.
The staff member also said the show's annual special filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom was an especially 'big party night' full of debauchery.
'I was offered cocaine by a star at an after show party. Lots of people would go back to the hotel. It was a closed-off party, just for the cast and crew. It went on until 5am, even to 6am, it was insane. People were wired and you could see it in their eyes'.
A BBC spokesperson told Daily Mail: '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.'
Meanwhile 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 were 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.
'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 BBC spokesperson told Daily Mail: We do not recognise these claims and any suggestion that anyone has been asked to monitor an individual is completely untrue.
BBC bosses are reportedly set to offer professional support to two stars of hit dancing show Strictly, amid allegations they took cocaine on the programme.
It was revealed the broadcaster has hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals, whose drug use is said to be 'well-known' on the show.
The claims were reportedly made in a legal submission to the BBC by law firm Russells back in March, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans.
A source told the newspaper: 'The BBC is taking the allegations really seriously.
'Bosses are aware of the two stars in question and have a duty of care to make sure they're okay.
'As per BBC policy, the option of specialised professional support is on the table and will be offered.'
They added: 'While drug testing won't happen on the main show, bosses are considering bringing in random checks for the tour next year.
'The BBC needs to be sure nothing illegal is going on. It all depends on what the investigation finds.'
The shock allegations come just amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so.
He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones [pictured with Wynne], who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show
In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing 'personal reasons', actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together on Strictly.
Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld.
When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni's behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment.
Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour '.
Elsewhere, the show was plunged into crisis after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January.
He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones , who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show.
While his co-star John Torode [left] was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of
After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show.
The TV star confirmed in May that they will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation after the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly.
Elsewhere, in further scandals for the BBC, Gregg Wallace was recently dismissed from MasterChef after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation.
While his co-star John Torode was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of.
In separate further controversy, it's recently been reported that Naga Munchetty could face an investigation from BBC bosses after she was accused of bullying a junior colleague.
The BBC Breakfast host, 50, has been placed 'under review' while bosses consider escalating complaints to a formal investigation, The Sun reports.
A source said higher-ups had heard from several colleagues and logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as her Radio 5 Live show.