Strictly Come Dancing 'suffers fresh scandal as BBC call in the police after external probe into show' just weeks before new series kicks off

By: dailymail Posted On: August 17, 2025 View: 49

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Published: 18:57 EDT, 16 August 2025 | Updated: 03:30 EDT, 17 August 2025

Strictly Come Dancing has been hit with a fresh scandal just weeks before the new series kicks off.

The BBC have reportedly alerted the Metropolitan Police to investigate a new allegation, after lawyers began an inquiry into the series.

The broadcaster had already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.

According to The Sun on Sunday, detectives from the Met Police are allegedly examining other allegations.

Sources claim: 'It’s a significant new development in the BBC’s recent string of crises that they have now got the police involved in investigating allegations surrounding Strictly. This is a very dramatic turn of events.

'Despite all the show and its team have been through over recent months, it’s hugely controversial that you’ve now got Scotland Yard detectives probing Strictly.

The BBC have reportedly alerted the Metropolitan Police to investigate a new allegation, after lawyers began an inquiry into the series (hosts Claudia Winkelman and Tess Daly pictured)

'This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it’s not a good look for the BBC.'

The BBC declined to comment on any police investigations when contacted by Daily Mail.

A spokesperson for the broadcaster previously stated: '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.'

Strictly's new series has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals.

One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath.

The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker.

The publication have now reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year's show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours.

Strictly has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals

Meanwhile one of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath

Last week, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show's stars.

He told The Sun: '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. The smoking area outside is a hive of activity. Cocaine gets taken there'.

He went on to claim that drug use was so common on the show, that when he found a suspicious bag of white powder, an unfazed senior producer told him to 'leave it on my desk' as the incident failed to raise even an eyebrow.

The staff member also said the show's annual special filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom was an especially 'big party night' full of debauchery.

'I was offered cocaine by a star at an after show party. Lots of people would go back to the hotel. It was a closed-off party, just for the cast and crew. It went on until 5am, even to 6am, it was insane. People were wired and you could see it in their eyes'.

The shock allegations come amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so.

In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing 'personal reasons', actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together on Strictly .

Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld.

The claims were reportedly made in a legal submission to the BBC by law firm Russells back in March, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans [pictured]

He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones [pictured with Wynne], who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show

In July last year, Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together (pictured, with Giovanni in September 2023)

When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni's behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment.

Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour'.

Elsewhere, the show was plunged into crisis after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January.

He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones , who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show.

After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show.

The TV star confirmed in May that they will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation after the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly.

Elsewhere, in further scandals for the BBC, Gregg Wallace was recently dismissed from MasterChef after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation.

While his co-star John Torode was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of.

While his co-star John Torode [left] was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of

In separate further controversy, it's recently been reported that Naga Munchetty could face an investigation from BBC bosses after she was accused of bullying a junior colleague.

The BBC Breakfast host, 50, has been placed 'under review' while bosses consider escalating complaints to a formal investigation, The Sun reports.

A source said higher-ups had heard from several colleagues and logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as her Radio 5 Live show.

The Mail has contacted Naga's representatives, who declined to comment. She has not addressed any of the allegations publicly.

STRICTLY LINEUP 2025

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

Age: 36

Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator

Harry says: 'I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.'

Alex Kingston

Age: 62

Profession: Doctor Who actress

The actress teases: 'My hips don't lie'

Balvinder Sopal

Age: 46

Profession: EastEnders actress

Balvinder says: 'I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.'

La Voix

Age: 45

Profession: Drag performer

She says: 'Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.'

Thomas Skinner

Age: 34

Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur

He says: 'Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!'

Vicky Pattison

Age: 37

Profession: Reality TV star

She says: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up... but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified'

Karen Carney

Age: 38

Profession: Football pundit

She says: 'I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.'

Dani Dyer

Age: 29

Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner

Dani says: 'Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.'

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Age: 53

Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.

He says: 'Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.'

Ellie Goldstein

Age: 23

Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador

She says: 'It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream'.

Chris Robshaw

Age: 39

Profession: Rugby player

He says: 'This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class'.