Strictly Star Cleared of Rape Allegations After Police Investigation
A Strictly Come Dancing star who was arrested on suspicion of raping a woman after a BBC event will not face any criminal charges. Hertfordshire Police have confirmed that the investigation has been closed due to insufficient evidence, bringing an end to a high-profile case that has cast a shadow over the popular television programme.
Investigation Details and Legal Outcome
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on October 13, 2025 in London. Hertfordshire Police launched an investigation, with the suspect's bail extended multiple times to allow for further enquiries. The final extension lasted until April 7, 2026, when authorities announced no further action would be taken.
In an official statement, Hertfordshire Police said: 'There will be no criminal charges brought against an individual arrested by Hertfordshire Constabulary in London on Monday 13 October 2025 on suspicion of rape. Early advice was sought from the Crown Prosecution Service, but detectives determined that there was insufficient evidence to bring forward criminal charges.'
A source close to the situation told The Sun: 'This has been a really awful, hellish period for all parties. The man has been through hell and back, and just wants his name cleared now once and for all.'
Broader Context of Scandals Plaguing Strictly Come Dancing
This arrest was the latest in a series of scandals to hit the BAFTA-winning dance show. It occurred just three months after another unnamed male star was arrested on suspicion of rape in August 2025, with that Metropolitan Police investigation still ongoing. The August arrest also involved allegations of possessing non-consensual intimate image abuse.
Strictly Come Dancing has faced numerous controversies in recent years:
- In 2024, the show was rocked by allegations from contestant Amanda Abbington, who accused former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'abusive and cruel' behaviour during the 2023 series. This prompted an internal investigation costing approximately £250,000, which upheld some complaints but not the most serious ones.
- Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked after admitting he kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals for the same series.
- The BBC implemented enhanced duty-of-care measures, including chaperones during training sessions, constant production team presence at rehearsals, and the appointment of dedicated welfare producers for celebrities and professional dancers.
- Contestant Wynne Evans was recorded making a sexualised remark during the Strictly tour in Birmingham and was subsequently dropped as a BBC radio presenter.
- In February 2026, BBC bosses cleared two Strictly stars of alleged cocaine use after an external legal investigation found no evidence to support claims made by Wynne Evans in a legal submission from March 2025.
Impact on the Show's Future and Presenter Search
The clearance of the rape investigation comes at a critical time for Strictly Come Dancing. BBC bosses are currently searching for two new presenters to replace hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down at the end of 2025. There were concerns that the toxicity surrounding the programme might deter potential stars from anchoring the long-running show.
A Strictly source commented last month on the drug allegations investigation: 'The BBC took the claim made by Wynne very seriously, so much so that they funded an external inquiry so that no stone was left unturned. But the investigation is now over and it's back to business as usual. Strictly has a clean bill of health, despite Wynne appearing to throw allegations at it. Now everyone involved in Strictly is looking forward to a fantastic, clean and new start later this year.'
Bosses are likely relieved by the latest development, hoping it will help restore the show's reputation as they prepare for the upcoming series amidst ongoing challenges and public scrutiny.
