Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens this weekend amid a fresh wave of controversy that has shadowed the BBC ballroom hit in recent years. Reports indicate an external investigation into alleged cocaine use by two of the show’s stars is underway, even as Thomas Skinner, a new contestant, acknowledges a personal indiscretion that deeply affected his family. Separately, police confirmed an ex-contestant was arrested in August on suspicion of rape, with investigators continuing to probe the case and specialists supporting the alleged victim. The convergence of these cases has renewed scrutiny of the show’s culture and governance as it opens a new series.
Skinner, a former Apprentice contestant, has spoken publicly about a fling with aesthetician Amy-Lucy O’Rourke that he says lasted three months. He described the episode as a moment of madness and said he told his wife, Sinead, who he married in May 2022. The BBC said this week that it will be standing by Skinner as he takes part in the new series. Skinner’s comments to tabloid outlets have framed the controversy around his personal judgment and its impact on his family, including their five-year-old son Henry and two-year-old twin daughters, Roma and Darla.
In August, a man who previously competed on Strictly was arrested on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. The Metropolitan Police said the alleged victim is being supported by specialist officers, and the inquiry is being conducted in cooperation with Hertfordshire Constabulary. The police indicated the investigation is at an early stage, and authorities urged anyone with information to come forward. The show’s producers have faced questions about safety protocols and how allegations are handled when the program is in production.
A separate external inquiry into drug-use allegations involving two stars has also drawn attention. The Sun On Sunday quoted sources claiming detectives from Scotland Yard are examining the matter, and that one or more of the alleged incidents involved cocaine and alcohol in work settings. A BBC spokesperson said the organization has clear protocols and would not comment further on ongoing investigations. The BBC has not named individuals in connection with the drugs inquiry, and staffers associated with the show have described a culture under intense scrutiny as the franchise moves into its upcoming run.
These developments come as Strictly’s public narrative has long included stories of the so-called ‘curse’—romantic entanglements and high-profile breakups that have punctuated the show’s history. The program has also weathered internal turmoil, including the exit of Wynne Evans after comments described as inappropriate, and the dismissal of Graziano Di Prima amid allegations of abusive conduct toward a partner. In recent years, disputes over age, race and gender, as well as reports of bullying by professionals, have been reported by multiple outlets and recapped by coverage of the show’s wider culture.
The friction around the show’s culture sits alongside ongoing discussions about the makeup of its 2025 lineup. The announced cast includes a mix of Olympic athletes, actors, reality personalities and public figures such as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal, La Voix, Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison, Karen Carney, Dani Dyer, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Ellie Goldstein, Chris Robshaw, Stefan Dennis, Ross King and Lewis Cope. Some fans have pointed to the gender balance and the show’s evolving casting as evidence of broader changes within Strictly, while others argue the controversies have overshadowed the prospects of a purely celebratory season.
BBC executives have stressed that safety procedures, grievance processes and professional conduct standards remain in place as the new series begins. Still, the surrounding crises have left viewers weighing the show’s image against its entertainment value, and they may watch to see how the program navigates criticism while attempting to revive its family-friendly reputation. The coming weeks will test whether Strictly can weather the latest scandals while delivering the polished performances and chemistry that have long defined its appeal.