Strictly 'cocaine scandal' leaves BBC bosses with 'tough question' as fears grow
Strictly Come Dancing is facing an "identity crisis", an expert has claimed, as it's hit with fresh scandal just weeks before the start of a new series.
The much-loved dancing show is facing allegations of cocaine use by two show stars, with reports suggesting their substance use was an "open secret" on the show.
It follows a rocky few years of controversy and allegations of backstage bullying, misconduct claims and several stars being axed or suspended by the BBC over their behaviour. Despite rehearsals being in full swing ahead of next month, a fresh, dark cloud has settled over Strictly's star-spangled launch.
Earlier this month, the BBC enlisted the services of top legal firm Pinsent Masons to investigate recent drug accusations. Former participants, professional dancers and crew members have been invited to speak with solicitors to voice any issues they might have had.
Now, the Metropolitan Police have issued a statement to the Mirror as they said: "On Tuesday 12 August, the Metropolitan Police received an allegation about drug-related offences.
"Police are assessing the information, and further enquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed. We won't be commenting further at this time."
According to PR expert and Celebrity Manager Mayah Riaz, the latest blow risks costing the show loyal viewers. "Strictly's always had its fair share of scandals, but the risk now is that people are simply getting tired of them," she told The Mirror.
"A little drama can add spice, but when the headlines are more about controversy than the dancing, it starts to take away from what the show is really about. The big question is: has Strictly become more gossip than glitter? That's the balancing act the BBC has on its hands."
The expert, of Mayah Media, warned that if producers want to steady the ship, they must take back control quickly. "That means being upfront rather than pretending nothing's happened," she explained.
"Viewers are smart and they'll see through any spin. The only way forward is to admit where things have gone wrong, explain what's being done to fix it, and then push the focus firmly back to the competition itself."
Strictly has been the subject of inquiries into bullying and inappropriate behaviour over the past 14 months.
Last year professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima made sensational exits from the show after facing serious allegations from former show partners.
Now, the PR expert warned, the danger is that "the scandals are becoming the star of the show".
"When the drama off the dancefloor overshadows the foxtrot on it, you've got a real identity problem.
"The BBC needs to ask itself a tough question: is Strictly supposed to be family-friendly entertainment, or is it sliding into full-on reality TV drama? At the moment it's trying to be both, and that confusion could end up costing it loyal viewers."
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