The BBC has asked the Metropolitan Police to investigate fresh allegations surrounding Strictly Come Dancing, according to reports. The move follows claims earlier this month that two stars of the dance show used cocaine.
The Sun on Sunday reported that the corporation alerted police to new allegations about the programme, though details of the claims remain unspecified. A BBC spokesperson said on Saturday that the corporation does not comment on police investigations.
Earlier this month, the Sun alleged that the drug use of two cast members had been discussed on the show, and that the BBC had appointed law firm Pinsent Masons to lead an internal investigation. The show was also subject to a review in 2024 into bullying and harassment claims against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice made by his partner Amanda Abbington.
The BBC upheld some, but not all, of those complaints and introduced new welfare measures, including a chaperone present at all times during training room rehearsals. Separately, EastEnders actor James Borthwick was suspended after a video showed him using a disabled slur on the set of the dance programme.
The cocaine allegations reportedly emerged 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 Strictly tour launch. The BBC often appoints external law firms to help lead investigations.
