Strictly Come Dancing is facing a cluster of new allegations and renewed public criticism as the long-running BBC ballroom competition prepares to return, with media reports this week saying two current stars are under investigation for alleged drug use and a former contestant has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
The reports follow months of turmoil around the programme, including the controversial removal of singer Wynne Evans from the latest roster and earlier complaints about the conduct of professional dancers, with allegations of abusive behaviour directed at Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. The BBC is pressing ahead with plans to broadcast the new series despite the mounting scrutiny.
Media organisations have reported that inquiries into alleged drug use involve two current participants, and that the arrest relates to a former star of the show. Those reports have not included law-enforcement statements identifying the individuals, and no charges have been publicly confirmed in connection with the alleged drug matters. The arrest was reported as being made on suspicion of rape; police forces typically confirm or decline details on active investigations, and those matters remain subject to legal processes.
Criticism of this year's celebrity lineup has added to the pressure. Viewers and commentators have complained that the cast contains significantly more men than women, with some calling it the programme's "worst lineup ever". The cast composition prompted debate on social media and in the press about representation and casting decisions for the flagship entertainment show.
Strictly Come Dancing has a long history as one of the BBC's most watched and glitzy entertainment series, combining celebrity contestants with professional dancers in judged ballroom and Latin routines. Over its run, the programme has also weathered controversies, including highly publicised off-screen relationships between celebrities and their professional partners—often referred to in popular commentary as the show's "curse"—as well as disputes over judging, casting and internal decisions.
Broadcasters and producers have faced repeated questions about safeguarding, contestant welfare and the handling of complaints. Earlier this year, the decision to drop Wynne Evans from the lineup prompted debate among viewers and industry commentators about selection criteria and transparency. Allegations concerning the conduct of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were widely reported and prompted internal and public scrutiny.
BBC programming executives have signalled that the series will proceed. The corporation has previously said it takes allegations involving staff and contributors seriously and follows established procedures; specifics about ongoing inquiries are generally limited while investigations and any potential legal processes are underway. As the new series unfolds on air, producers and the broadcaster will face continued attention over how they manage the show's cast, conduct policies and public accountability.