3 days ago
Strictly Come Dancing 'brings in police' as scandals swarm ahead of new series
Reality dance series Strictly Come Dancing has been hit by yet another scandal (Picture: BBC)
The BBC has reportedly asked the police to investigate Strictly Come Dancing amid fresh allegations after claims two of its stars used cocaine.
The corporation is said to have alerted the Metropolitan Police to new allegations about the hit dance competition show, the details of which have not been specified, according to The Sun on Sunday.
Earlier this week, a longtime worker claimed they were offered drugs by a star on the show.
The BBC reality series reportedly launched an external probe to investigate cocaine use by two stars earlier this month, as well as claims that a star was drinking on the show.
The whistleblower who worked behind-the-scenes on the show for a decade until 2023 has said he witnessed 'partying at Elsetree studio after live filming.
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The worker, who accuses an unnamed star of offering them cocaine, added that the cast and crew were 'drinking and taking drugs', with bags of white powder suspected to be cocaine found in a smoking area and the men's toilet on two separate occasions.
The show has been plagued by scandals in recent weeks (Picture: PA)
The cocaine use allegations were reportedly made in a legal submission by law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans (Picture: BBC/PA Wire)
A BBC spokesperson has told Metro it does not comment on police investigations.
The latest scandal comes after two former professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were removed from the show (and replaced) after behavioural accusations from former partners were revealed.
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, 53, was also sensationally dumped from the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour over inappropriate comments.
In addition to this, the recent addition of Thomas Skinner to the cast has also been widely criticised.
The scandal-hit show was the subject of a review in 2024, when the BBC looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against Pernice 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.
The new series of Strictly is fast approaching, with it launching on September 20 (Picture: PA)
It was alleged Di Prima 'kicked and hit' his 2023 partner Zara McDermott while they were rehearsing for the show. Di Prima said he 'deeply regrets the actions' that led to his departure from Strictly. 'My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime,' he admitted.
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.
The cocaine use allegations were reportedly 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.
It is understood that the BBC often appoints external law firms to help it lead investigations.
The BBC spokesperson previously 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 Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment.
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