Latest news with #StrictlyWakeup
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
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. Get personalised updates on Strictly 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 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. 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. Arrow MORE: BBC star gags on live TV after revealing surprising food 'phobia' Arrow MORE: Strictly Come Dancing winner 'revealed' before the show even begins Arrow MORE: UK beach voted one of world's best (and unofficial nudist spot) closed on safety grounds
Metro
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
John Whaite blasts 'insulting' Waitrose after being dropped with no warning
John Whaite has accused Waitrose of erasing his hard work (Picture: John Whaite/Instagram) Former Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite has accused Waitrose of dropping him from their website 'without any notice'. The 35-year-old, who won the Great British Bake Off in 2012, re-joined adult content site OnlyFans in February after turning his back on TV. Just a month later, he was marked as in the top 0.41% of all creators on the platform in what he described as an 'insane' achievement. Now, however, John has taken aim at supermarket chain Waitrose for wiping out 'an entire collection of very hard work without any notice'. Taking to Instagram, he said: 'It seems Waitrose have diverted all my recipe links to similar recipes by other people – my work history with them ostensibly expunged. Get personalised updates on Strictly 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. 'My catalogue of YouTube videos with them has also disappeared. It's like I never existed. The former Bake Off winner re-joined OnlyFans in February (Picture: John Whaite/Instagram) 'No one at Waitrose informed me or told me why… I can only guess that it's because I do OnlyFans. 'So I'm sorry if you wanted to use one of my recipes and now cannot. 'Look, I get my OF work doesn't align with their brand, and I would have accepted that had they treated me with an ounce of human respect, but to wipe out an entire collection of very hard work without any notice or chance to save the recipes first is an insult.' He concluded his message with two hashtags, saying: '#AlwaysPreferedAldiAnyway #BitternessIsInFor2025.' Previously, the Strictly star defended his decision to join the adult content site, saying: 'I for one don't want to live my life stuck in a steadfast template that restricts my next move. 'Secondly, I enjoy performance. I enjoy being a show off. I enjoy building my body and celebrating the results. That's not for everyone, and that's ok – if you don't like meat just walk on by the butcher's shop.' He also claimed: 'I quit the TV industry 18 months ago and haven't looked back. The Strictly star has defended his decision to join OnlyFans (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) 'I had an incredible 12-year-long career and achieved some extraordinary milestones that I'll proudly take with me to the grave. 'I loved it (mostly) while it lasted, and made some wonderful friendships which I'll cherish, but that river, for me, had run dry. It didn't set me alight anymore.' In March, John endured a similar experience with the car company Peugeot, which ended their contract with him following his return to OnlyFans, MailOnline reported. John admitted that he was 'bitter' after the company refused to work with him for posting racy online images. A Waitrose spokesperson said: 'We regularly review recipes on our site and we are constantly updating and refreshing. We are very grateful for the work John has done for us.' 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. Arrow MORE: Full list of supermarket opening times on Easter Monday including Tesco, Aldi and Morrisons Arrow MORE: Stacey Solomon joins celebrities rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup Arrow MORE: BBC's investigation into disgraced Wynne Evans 'goes beyond his time on Strictly'
