Behind the glittering costumes and perfect scores, Strictly Come Dancing's family-friendly reputation has been severely tested by a cascade of controversies. As the BBC flagship programme prepares for its 21st season on 20 September 2025, it does so under a cloud of allegations that have emerged since 2023, ranging from bullying claims to police investigations.
Controversial Casting and Professional Dancer Allegations
The upcoming season has already faced criticism over its casting of Thomas Skinner, the Apprentice star whose association with US Vice President JD Vance and wearing of a MAGA cap sparked public backlash. Skinner responded on social media, stating he had become a target and did not regret the meeting.
However, the show's troubles began in earnest during the 2023 season. Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was dropped in June 2024 after his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, accused him of inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying. A BBC investigation upheld complaints of verbal bullying and harassment, though it found no evidence of physical aggression. The corporation issued an apology to Abbington.
Weeks later, Graziano Di Prima was removed from the show after admitting he kicked his 2023 partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals. He apologised, citing his intense passion and determination to win.
Broader Concerns and On-Tour Incidents
These events prompted other former contestants to speak out. Will Bayley, a Paralympian from the 2019 series, claimed a training injury left him with permanent pain, blaming producer pressure. Meanwhile, Laura Whitmore alleged she was gaslit after raising complaints about Pernice back in 2016.
In response, the BBC implemented new duty of care protocols for the 2024 series, including chaperones and enhanced welfare support.
The scandals extended to the live tour. Wynne Evans was dropped after making an inappropriate and unacceptable remark about a group sex session involving co-stars. He later lost his BBC Radio Wales contract. A separate backstage video showed Jamie Borthwick joking about a sex toy Evans had reportedly sent him.
Police Investigations and Ongoing Fallout
The controversies reached a new level in August 2025, when the BBC confirmed it was investigating two unnamed participants for alleged drug use during their time on the show. The probe, led by law firm Pinsent Masons, was initiated after a complaint from a former contestant's legal team.
Separately, Jamie Borthwick was suspended from the BBC after a video emerged of him using an ableist slur. He apologised, stating he did not fully understand the term's meaning. It was later announced he would not be returning to EastEnders.
Most seriously, a former male Strictly star was arrested on 22 August on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. The Metropolitan Police, in a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary, confirmed the arrest. Three months later, another anonymous male who worked on the 2024 series was also arrested on suspicion of rape. Both police investigations are ongoing.
As Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens, it faces the immense challenge of restoring its tarnished image and proving that the glitterball trophy is the only thing being fought over behind the scenes.
