A prominent figure connected to Strictly Come Dancing has been detained on suspicion of r-*-p-e following an incident linked to a BBC-related event — marking yet another significant controversy for the broadcaster’s flagship programme, which has already faced several damaging headlines this year.
Authorities confirmed that the arrest took place last month in connection with an alleged incident dating back to 2024. Due to strict legal protections, the identity of the man involved cannot be revealed, and the woman reporting the incident is not a contestant nor a professional dancer from the award-winning series.
Despite the limited details, the revelation alone has intensified pressure on both the BBC and the Strictly production team — pressure that has been building for months as the show continues to grapple with repeated off-screen turmoil.
Police confirm arrest as inquiries continue
Hertfordshire Police issued a brief statement confirming that a man was taken into custody in London on October 13, questioned on suspicion of r-*-p-e, and later released on police bail with investigations ongoing.
Officers emphasized that, given the nature of the allegations, no additional comment can be made at this time.
This development arrives less than three months after another Strictly personality was detained in an unrelated case, involving accusations of r-*-p-e and alleged “non-consensual i-n-t-i-m-a-t-e i-m-a-g-e a-b-u-s-e”.
A production insider admitted the latest situation is “an absolute nightmare” for the BBC, explaining that executives have been working urgently to steady the show’s image amid a growing list of controversies.
Long-time hosts exit amid turbulence
The news lands shortly after hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shocked viewers by announcing their departure from the show — a move that came just ten days after the previous arrest linked to the programme.
Industry sources have suggested that the BBC may face increasing calls to pause the show in 2026 to allow further safeguarding improvements and to appoint new presenters with careful consideration.
Ongoing challenges and previous scandals
Former BBC Director-General Tim Davie admitted to MPs in September this year that ‘we may see more things coming out’Credit: Getty
This arrest joins a series of troubling stories surrounding Strictly:
In August, the BBC launched an internal investigation after allegations involving Class A drug use by two cast members.
A male star was detained on 22 August for unrelated allegations of r-*-p-e and i-m-a-g-e misuse.
In 2024, a high-profile bullying probe targeted professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, leading to his exit after complaints from celebrity partner Amanda Abbington. Six out of seventeen complaints were upheld.
Fellow pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was removed from the show after video evidence revealed unacceptable behaviour during rehearsals with partner Zara McDermott.
The Strictly Live Tour was also hit by controversy after Wynne Evans was dropped for inappropriate comments, followed by another cast member being removed over offensive language.
These incidents prompted the BBC to roll out new safeguarding measures, including:
welfare producers,
chaperones in all rehearsal rooms,
and enhanced conduct training.
However, former BBC Director-General Tim Davie admitted to MPs earlier this year that “more issues may still emerge”, noting that cultural change cannot be achieved instantly.
BBC responds as police investigation continues
In a statement released last night, the BBC reiterated that they cannot comment on active police investigations but confirmed that safeguarding remains central to production across the organisation.
Police also reaffirmed that the incident occurred in Hertfordshire in 2024 and that their Public Protection team continues to lead the inquiry.
As the situation unfolds, both the broadcaster and Strictly production staff brace for further public scrutiny — amid growing concern that yet another scandal may deeply affect one of the BBC’s most beloved and long-running series.
