The BBC has launched an investigation into allegations that two stars of Strictly Come Dancing used cocaine. The allegations were reported by the Sun on Sunday, which claimed that the drug use was 'talked about widely among the cast' of the BBC One programme.
The newspaper said the allegations were made in a legal submission by the law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, the Welsh opera singer who appeared on last year's series. Evans was later dropped from the BBC for using inappropriate language during the Strictly tour launch. The names of the two stars under investigation have not been disclosed.
A BBC spokesperson said: '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.' The newspaper reported that the BBC has appointed an external law firm to lead the investigation.
The investigation follows a series of welfare issues on Strictly. In 2024, the BBC reviewed allegations of bullying and harassment against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, partially upholding complaints made by his former partner Amanda Abbington. Pernice and another dancer, Graziano Di Prima, both left the show last year amid conduct allegations.
The BBC introduced new welfare measures in July 2024, including chaperones in training rooms, two new welfare producers, and additional training for staff. In June, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was suspended after using an ableist slur during rehearsals, for which he later apologised.
