BBC investigates alleged cocaine use by two Strictly Come Dancing stars

The Guardian

5 days ago

The BBC has launched an investigation into alleged cocaine use by two stars of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Sun on Sunday reported that the two stars' alleged drug use was 'talked about widely among the cast' of the BBC One primetime show.
The newspaper also claimed that others had reported allegations of drug taking on the show to the BBC.
The cast members involved in the investigation were not named by the newspaper.
According to the Sun on Sunday, the allegations were made in a legal submission by the law firm Russells in March on behalf of a former contestant, the Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans.
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.'
The newspaper said the BBC had appointed a law firm to lead the investigation. It is understood that the corporation often appoints external law firms to help lead investigations and report back to an internal team.
Evans, who was a celebrity dancer in last year's series, was dropped by the BBC for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour.
He apologised for language that he called 'inappropriate and unacceptable' after the Mail on Sunday reported that he was heard making a remark to a woman in a video filmed during the Strictly launch event.
The singer announced in May that he was leaving his BBC Radio Wales show after the BBC decided not to renew his contract.
This latest investigation comes after the BBC launched a review into Strictly in 2024 that looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against the former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington.
The corporation upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. In June last year, the BBC confirmed Pernice's departure from the show.
Another Strictly professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, also left the show last year after allegations about his conduct with a past participant of the show.
The BBC announced a series of new measures in July 2024 aimed at improving welfare on the show. These include the introduction of chaperones who are present at all times during training room rehearsals, two new welfare producers, and providing additional training for the professional dancers, production team and crew.
In June, the EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of the actor using an ableist slur during Strictly rehearsals in November.
Borthwick apologised and a BBC spokesperson said at the time: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.'