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Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Strictly staffer claims they were 'offered cocaine by show star' in new scandal
The as-of-late scandal-ridden Strictly Come Dancing faces a new crisis after a longtime worker claimed they were offered drugs by a star. 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. In the latest turn of events, a 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. 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 incident in which this crew member was offered cocaine occurred at a Blackpool show after-party, all per The Sun. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The source said: '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. 'I remember a bag of cocaine was found in the outside smoking area at Elstree and handed in to a senior producer. That person said, 'Leave it on my desk', no eyebrows were raised. 'On another occasion, a small bag of cocaine was found in the male toilets at Elstree. It was widely discussed by people working on the show. 'But in some ways it was seen as quite normal, to find that sort of thing. 'People think they can get away with it. In a statement responding to the latest allegations, a spokesperson for the national broadcaster 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. In recent reports, the publication claimed a celebrity from the show had said it was 'well known on the show that two stars took cocaine . . . it was talked about widely among the cast'. This brewing trouble comes just weeks before the popular dancing competition returns to screens for its 23rd season toward the end of September. More Trending The show faced plenty of issues last year after it was pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima exited amid accusations of bad behaviour from former famous partners Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott, respectively. The pair have now been replaced with Alexis Warr and Julian Caillonwhen in a shake-up of the pros line-up. Meanwhile, fires also had to be put out after last year's contestant, Wynne Evans, was removed from the Strictly Live Tour after making inappropriate sexual comments. Metro has reached out to the BBC for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders return 'confirmed' after three-month ban for disabled slur MORE: Gladiators star Steel reveals medical procedure contributed to newborn son's death MORE: Gary Lineker officially signs up to 'unpredictable' new show following BBC exit
Scottish Sun
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Wynne Evans splits from fiancee Liz for second time and is ‘already dating again'
See what the star had to say about relationships today wynne some, lose some Wynne Evans splits from fiancee Liz for second time and is 'already dating again' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WYNNE Evans has split from his fiance - just months after popping the question. The singer, 53, and Liz Brookes are said to have called it quits a few weeks ago and he appeared to confirm the break up speaking to fans today. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Wynne Evans has split from his fiancee Liz Brookes Credit: Instagram / Wynne Evans 4 The singer is said to be dating again after the break up Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The pair previously split in January of this year but reunited just weeks later. This morning, the Strictly star told his followers on Facebook Live: 'I haven't felt this level headed for years, having been in a bad place or a relationship that is not healthy for me. It's now calm.' An insider told the MailOnline: 'Wynne and Liz broke off their engagement a few weeks ago. 'The pressure of his new business ventures took its toll and they had a big fallout. 'Initially, there was a belief they would get back together when the ill-feeling died down, as they had split before and managed to patch things up. 'But with Wynne actively trying to date again and going public describing the relationship as 'not healthy', it's safe to say they've split from good this time.' Wynne started his own radio show following his BBC axing for making a crude remark on the Strictly Live Tour launch event. He was dropped from the tour and his BBC Wales radio show was canned. He is also opening his own restaurant and winebar - 'Welsh House by Wynne' in Carmarthen, West Wales. Wynne popped the question to Liz on holiday in Morocco in June of this year, after she loyally stood by him amid his BBC fallout. Joy for Wynne Evans as he gets engaged after months of hell following Strictly drama He told fans at the time: "Big news… I got engaged! "This weekend in Morocco, somewhere between the couscous, the camels, and me limping around the souks like a man with no spatial awareness, I proposed to Liz — and she said yes! (No take-backs, I've checked.) "She's clever, she's kind, she's got excellent taste in men. Absolutely no idea how I pulled that off, but here we are! "Feeling very lucky, very happy, and just a tiny bit smug." Liz, 50, who runs her own successful events company in Cardiff, met the star at one of her do's in Wales. He asked her out for a coffee the next day, and they were together for 18 months before he proposed. The Sun has contacted Wynne's rep for comment. 4 Liz was by Wynne's side throughout the Strictly scandal Credit: instagram/@wynneevans 4 Wynne appeared on Strictly parterned with Katya Jones Credit: The Mega Agency
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Axed BBC star Wynne Evans reveals ‘fabulous' new business venture in hometown after split from fiancée
Wynne won the celebrity version of MasterChef in 2023 WYNNE'S NEW BIZ Axed BBC star Wynne Evans reveals 'fabulous' new business venture in hometown after split from fiancée Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AXED BBC star Wynne Evans is opening a wine bar and restaurant in his hometown. He promises 'MasterChef dishes' after winning the celebrity version in 2023. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 1 Wynne Evans is opening a wine bar and restaurant in his hometown Credit: Dan Charity The Go Compare ads singer, 53, has also pledged a 'fabulous warm welcome' at the 'Welsh House by Wynne' in Carmarthen, West Wales. His business venture comes after he split with fiancée Liz Brookes. A source said: 'They've decided to have temporary voluntary time apart. 'He's opening a restaurant focusing on Welsh food to distract from the Liz separation. 'He paid the Welsh House to take over their existing space. 'It's a prime location in the centre of Carmarthen. 'He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently.' Announcing his restaurant plan on social media, he said: 'Hello, Wynne here. "This is my hometown of Carmarthen. 'It is ever-changing and one thing that is changing is the Welsh House. Watch Wynne Evans' FULL apology video backstage at Strictly after they ordered him to cut it short 'It's going to become the Welsh House by Wynne. 'I promise you it will have MasterChef dishes on the menu, it's going to have a fabulous warm welcome and I want you to come and see me, OK? "It's going to be the home of the radio show too. 'So I'll see you soon. I'd better get cooking.' Wynne started his own radio show following his BBC axing for making a crude remark on the Strictly Live Tour launch event. He was dropped from the tour and his BBC Wales radio show was canned. Bosses then axed his travelogue with pal Joanna Page, All At Sea, after just one season. Wynne was also embroiled in a 'gropegate' scandal when he appeared to place an unsolicited hand on the stomach of pro partner Katya Jones in last year's Strictly. He proposed to company boss Liz in Morocco earlier this year. He was previously married to wife of seven years, Tanwen, with whom he has two kids. His rep was approached for comment. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fresh blow to Wynne Evans as his final BBC show is axed after one series following Strictly scandal
The BBC has cut its last remaining tie with former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans. I can reveal that the continuing controversy surrounding the TV star has seen his six-part travelogue, All at Sea, officially axed after just one season. Advertisement 5 Controversy surrounding Wynne has seen his six-part travelogue, All at Sea, with Joanna Page, officially axed Credit: Instagram 5 The opera singer, who starred in the Go Compare ads, had already been embroiled in 'gropegate' during last year's Strictly Credit: BBC 5 Wynne, pictured here with Katya, was dropped from the Strictly Live Tour after making what seemed to be a crude remark at the launch event Credit: PA The debut series of the show — which he hosted with his pal, Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page — saw them travel up and down the coastline of their Welsh homeland. It was paused earlier this year when Wynne was dropped from the Strictly Live Tour after making what seemed to be a crude remark at the launch event. The opera singer, who starred in the Go Compare ads, had already been embroiled in 'gropegate' during last year's show, when he appeared to place an unsolicited hand on the stomach of his dance partner Katya Jones on live TV. The pair said it was an inside joke and stressed they were great friends. Advertisement All at Sea aired on BBC One in February and March and saw Wynne and Joanna setting sail for Barry Island, Swansea, Tenby and St Davids. Of the travel show's axing, an insider said: 'Once the first series was slapped on ice, there was always a huge question mark hanging over the prospect of a second outing. "Only now has the BBC publicly confirmed it won't be returning. "It means that Wynne has no TV show or radio show with the Beeb, and effectively marks the end of their relationship.' Advertisement Wynne recently parted company with BBC Wales, where he was a DJ. He launched his own online radio show earlier this month, and just over 40,000 tuned in for its first broadcast. Watch Wynne Evans' FULL apology video backstage at Strictly after they ordered him to cut it short All six episodes of All at Sea are still available to watch on BBC iPlayer. But a spokeswoman for the BBC confirmed: 'There are no plans for a second series.' Advertisement Boxing role no low blow 5 Stephen Graham says wife Hannah was worried by the title of his new Disney+ boxing drama A Thousand Blows, according to the star Credit: Robert Viglasky/Disney He got beefed up to star as boxer Sugar Goodson in Disney+ historical drama A Thousand Blows – but Stephen Graham says his wife wasn't thrilled when she was first told of his new role. Hannah Walters, who appeared alongside Stephen in 2021 film Boiling Point, was worried about what type of filming he was doing after hearing the series' title. Speaking to Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett on their SmartLess podcast, he said: 'My missus went, as soon as they said, A Thousand Blows, 'Sounds a bit like a top shelf, that . . . '' Advertisement Stephen, who starred in his Netflix series Adolescence earlier this year, added: 'I trained – I did a lot of boxing, ate a s***load of protein, and it was great – I had six months when I got into the best shape I've ever been in. "To do all that training at 51, that's crazy.' The Streets' Mike Skinner is among musicians who will read a CBeebies Bedtime Story. Loyle Carner, The Last Dinner Party singer Abigail Morris and Sampha will also host the popular show, which airs weekdays at 6.50pm. Advertisement Friday will see surprise stars reading from Glastonbury. Damian on dino duties 5 Damian Lewis is lending his voice to a new immersive dinosaur experience bringing prehistoric beasts to life Wolf Hall star Damian Lewis will narrate an immersive dinosaur experience where you can get up close and personal with the prehistoric creatures. Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, at the Lightroom venue in London's King's Cross, is being put on in collaboration with Apple TV+ from July 9. Advertisement The actor will lend his captivating voice to bring alive the excitement, drama and gravity of one of the most fascinating times in our Earth's history. With music from Hans Zimmer, it promises to bring visitors closer than ever to what it would have been like to see dinosaurs in real life. Damian said of the attraction: 'It's an amazing immersive space to transport people back in time.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Edinburgh Live
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'signs up' Gladiators star for 2025 series
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gladiators star Nitro, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, has been 'signed up' to join the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing. The 36-year-old former Olympic sprinter previously appeared on the BBC show's 2024 Christmas special, where he was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33. The duo wowed the judges and were one of the highest scoring couples, earning an impressive 37 points for their Street/Commercial performance. Strictly bosses were so impressed that they're now hoping to secure him for a full season of the popular dance contest, which will be in its 23rd season this year. It is hoped that he will be able to juggle his commitments with Gladiators, which traditionally films across the summer. (Image: Getty Images) Strictly usually begins airing in August each year, but contestants are secured weeks in advance and immediately begin training to gain confidence on the dance floor ahead of the live shows. An insider told The Sun: "Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work," reports the Mirror, which has reached out to the BBC and Harry's representatives for comment. The source added: "He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in spandex and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing." The insider also suggested that they hoped Nitro's participation could draw a new demographic of fans to Strictly, as the show's bosses aim to capitalise on the family-friendly success of Gladiators. (Image: PA) Strictly has been mired in controversy and scandal in recent years following allegations of abuse by professional dancers and star contestants behaving inappropriately. Last year, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans caused a stir when he was seen touching dancer Katya Jones. He later sparked controversy during the 2025 Strictly Live Tour when inappropriate comments he made off-camera were leaked. Fellow 2024 contestant Jamie Borthwick found himself at the centre of a scandal this month after it emerged he used an offensive term to describe the people of Blackpool during the BBC show's filming there. (Image: BBC Studios/Guy Levy) A shadow was cast over Strictly the previous year when actress Amanda Abbington accused professional dancer Giovanni Pernice of abuse. A BBC investigation was launched while Giovanni left the show, maintaining his innocence. Fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima confessed to accidentally kicking celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals, leading to his departure from the BBC show. Strictly Come Dancing is likely to resume this year, with the return of judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood. However, it is uncertain if Craig will continue beyond this season, as he previously expressed his intention to leave the show after turning 60. This milestone birthday has now passed, sparking concerns among fans that he may retire at the end of the upcoming season. Nevertheless, in an interview with The Mirror last year, Craig seemed to reconsider his decision, stating: "I have no intention of quitting because it's a fantastic Saturday job that I intend to do into my 80s, as long as I'm still compos mentis, darling! and if I haven't been cancelled before then!". Strictly Come Dancing is available on BBC iPlayer
