BBC launches probe into Strictly cocaine use after claims stars took drug and it was widely discussed on show

The Sun

17 hours ago

THE BBC has hired a law firm to probe damning allegations of cocaine abuse on Strictly Come Dancing by two stars.
It is said their drug use was 'well known' on the show.
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Former contestants, dancers and crew will be able to speak to law firm Pinsent Masons to share any concerns.
The show is facing a fresh crisis after the shocking drugs allegations were made in a legal submission to the BBC in March by law firm Russells on behalf of celebrity contestant Wynne Evans.
It is understood others have also reported to the BBC allegations of drug taking on Strictly Come Dancing.
A BBC spokesman told The Sun on Sunday yesterday: '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.
'Off their face'
'It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.'
The latest stunning claims include one of Strictly Come Dancing's stars allegedly ­saying to a celebrity about another person on the show: 'Have you seen their pupils . . . they're off their face'.
A celebrity is also said to have revealed it was 'well known on the show that two stars took cocaine . . . it was talked about widely among the cast'.
A source said yesterday: 'These claims are extremely serious and should be taken as such.
"Given only last year that the BBC's Director-General promised to clean up Strictly, it seems particularly shocking.
Furious Wynne Evans reveals he's no longer speaking to Strictly's Katya Jones as he hits out at BBC
'The idea of the show's stars discussing drug-taking is deeply disturbing.
'The BBC have known about these allegations for some time, and acknowledged receiving them.
'Now they are taking firm action. They've been told that it's well-known that two stars took drugs, including cocaine, which was talked about widely among the cast.
'Also, the BBC has been told that one star described another as being 'off their face' on drugs.
'It was alleged the star said to another celebrity about a third person on the show: 'Have you seen their pupils . . . they're off their face'.'
We are not naming the stars who are accused of drug-taking.
News of the inquiry comes 14 months after a probe was launched into claims of misconduct by professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who was later forced to step down amid bullying allegations.
It means the BBC has now had to launch four separate inquiries over the past year into claims of misconduct.
Others have been drawn into allegations of bullying on the BBC Breakfast show and dozens of claims of misconduct by Gregg Wallace, who has since been sacked as host of MasterChef.
The source went on: 'The BBC pledged to clean up its act and bolster its duty-of-care measures.
'The Corporation is under enormous pressure to take these on-record allegations seriously in order to continually improve and monitor its welfare protocol ahead of the new series.
'No one wants to see the show's image damaged, but it's imperative that people are treated fairly and complaints of bad behaviour taken seriously.
'These allegations are extremely serious and the BBC will not brush them under the carpet.
'Lies and cover-ups'
'They need to protect the image of the show and make sure contestants feel safe and protected at all times. It is, after all, supposed to be a family show.'
Worried Strictly chiefs are determined to deliver a trouble-free new show — as preparations have already started for the production of the upcoming 23rd series.
In January opera singer Evans — famous for his role in the Go Compare TV ads — was axed from the Strictly live tour after he was recorded making an inappropriate sexual comment to co-star Jamie Borthwick using the term 'spit-roast'.
In May, in an emotional Instagram message, Evans revealed he had been told by the BBC they were not renewing his one-year contract — which included him working with Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page on travel show All at Sea.
It came despite both public and private support from Janette Manrara —who was said to be the subject of the spit-roast comment — as well as her husband Aljaz Skorjanec and Wynne's Strictly pro dance partner Katya Jones.
Last week angry Evans blasted the BBC for 'lies and cover-ups' — claiming that the Corp­oration had been 'fundamentally flawed in its duty of care to him'.
He also accused bosses of 'only caring about protecting themselves and their jobs and ratings'.
In April The Sun on Sunday revealed EastEnders actor Borthwick had filmed a video of himself messing around with a sex toy in a Strictly Come Dancing live tour dressing room.
He was later suspended by the Beeb over a slur against disabled people which was made on the Strictly set.
Last year the BBC was beset with numerous crises on Strictly.
Sherlock and Mr Selfridge actress Amanda Abbington revealed she had been diagnosed with PTSD after being paired with Pernice.
Despite repeated claims against the Italian dancer from former partners including Laura Whitmore, the BBC did not take action until Amanda employed lawyers and issued a formal complaint.
The Corporation found in her favour on a number of claims concerning verbal bullying and harassment by Pernice.
As a result of the investigation — first revealed by The Sun — the Corporation's Director-General Tim Davie made an unprecedented apology to anyone who had suffered abusive behaviour during their time on the hit Saturday night programme.