LONDON, United Kingdom — A male Strictly Come Dancing star has been arrested on suspicion of rape, plunging the BBC’s flagship entertainment show into yet another crisis as police confirm an ongoing investigation into an alleged 2024 incident.
According to The Sun, the suspect — who cannot be identified for legal reasons — was arrested in London on 13 October. Hertfordshire Police confirmed the arrest, stating the man was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
The complainant is understood not to be a contestant or professional dancer on the programme.
In a brief statement, the BBC said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.” However, a corporation insider described the situation as “an absolute nightmare,” adding that despite efforts to stabilise the show after recent scandals, “now this has happened.”
The source told the publication that the broadcaster is taking the matter “very seriously” and will offer support to all parties involved.
This development comes just three months after another male Strictly star — also unnamed — was arrested on suspicion of rape related to a separate incident. That individual, in his 30s, is also being investigated for alleged “non-consensual intimate image abuse.”
The two arrests deepen the turmoil surrounding the long-running BBC competition, which has been battling reputational setbacks over the past two years.
In recent months, Strictly Come Dancing has faced a string of controversies:
- An external law firm was appointed to investigate allegations that two of the show’s stars had used cocaine during production.
- The BBC apologised to actress Amanda Abbington after she accused her former dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, of verbal bullying and harassment. The broadcaster said “some, but not all” of the allegations against him were upheld. Pernice denied any abusive conduct.
- Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, a 2024 contestant, issued a public apology for making an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark during the live tour launch.
- Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman recently announced they will exit the programme at the end of the current series, marking the end of an era for the show.
With another high-profile arrest now added to its growing list of troubles, the BBC faces renewed scrutiny over the culture and oversight of one of its most profitable and widely watched entertainment franchises.