Strictly Come Dancing has long been viewed as the jewel in BBC's crown, with millions tuning in each autumn to see which hapless celebrity will scoop the coveted glitterball trophy.
But while the channel is storming ahead with plans for its new series, revealing its full lineup this week, it has been hit by fresh scandal, with claims that bosses have called in police to investigate a new allegation into the scandal-hit show.
Lawyers began an external probe into the family-friendly show earlier this month amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
It's just the latest scandal that threatens to dim the show's signature sparkle, which has dominated screens, and the ratings, since 2004.
Wynne Evans, 53, who competed on the show in 2024, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event, which led to him resigning from the Strictly tour in February.
In 2023, actress Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, 34, being 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean' during their rehearsals which she said caused her to quit midway through the season.
And in the same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott, 28, was left 'incredibly distressed' following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, 31, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing.
It's now been reported by The Sun On Sunday that detectives from the Met Police are allegedly examining other allegations, after lawyers began examining claims two Strictly stars had used cocaine while on the show.
Sources said: '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.
'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 The 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.'
Earlier this month, it was allegend that BBC 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.
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'.
It was also reported that the two stars who took cocaine on the show have been offered professional support, with a source telling The Sun: 'As per BBC policy, the option of specialised professional support is on the table and will be offered.'
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.
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.
This year's Strictly lineup has already earned a mixed reaction from fans, with this year's cast including several former reality stars such as Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Apprentice candidate Tom Skinner.
It also appears that female celebrities are too terrified to sign up, with six women appearing on the cast this year compared to nine males, and bosses have certainly lowered the previously high bar with who they allow to take part.
Strictly bosses previously banned influencers and reality stars from taking part with now the likes of former Apprentice contestant Tom, who was fired by Lord Sugar in 2019, deemed famous enough to compete, with one Daily Mail reader saying: 'More than half are not celebrities.'
And the disappointing line-up hasn't gone unnoticed as thousands of Strictly fans took to platform X to voice their criticisms.
A TV source added: 'Strictly isn't the show it used to be. It has been hit by scandal after scandal and now it's impossible for it to recover.
'Bosses used to be very particular about the lineup but now celebrities who have previously been on a host of shows, even winning I'm A Celeb in Vicky's case, have been recruited.
'The lack of women in the cast this year says it all, females are afraid to take part due to the controversies of recent years while few changes have been made to ensure safety in the training rooms.
'It's sad because the show was once so loved by viewers of all ages but there's an unavoidable darkness now and insiders even believe this could be the last ever series.'
This year's cast also includes EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, Lioness Karen Carney, Lorraine Showbiz correspondent Ross King and influencer Ellie Goldstein, who made history when she became the first model with Down syndrome to cover British Vogue magazine.
Rugby player Chris Robshaw, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, YouTuber George Clarke, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will also be taking to the Strictly ballroom next month.
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'.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: 'Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.'
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: 'I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!'
Kristian Nairn
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
He says: 'This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it!'
