The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has reportedly launched a significant internal investigation into grave allegations of illicit substance use involving two unnamed prominent stars from its highly popular show, Strictly Come Dancing. This unfolding inquiry has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by public figures and the broadcasting giant’s commitment to upholding its institutional integrity amidst swirling controversy.
Reports, primarily from The Sun on Sunday, indicate that claims of alleged cocaine use among the show’s participants have been widely discussed within production circles. These serious accusations were formally presented to the BBC in March through a legal submission by Russells, a distinguished law firm, acting on behalf of Wynne Evans, a former celebrity contestant who previously appeared on the dance competition. The nature of these allegations suggests a deeper look into the backstage environment of one of the UK’s most beloved television spectacles.
It is not uncommon for the BBC to engage external legal counsel to assist in conducting comprehensive internal investigations, particularly when dealing with sensitive and high-profile matters. In such instances, these independent law firms are typically tasked with gathering facts and evidence, subsequently reporting their findings back to an internal BBC team to guide further action and ensure due process is followed.
This current probe comes after a period where the show faced other behavioral scrutinies. Notably, professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima departed from Strictly Come Dancing last year amidst separate allegations concerning their conduct towards their respective dance partners, underscoring a broader pattern of attention on participant behavior within the show’s demanding environment.
In response to previous concerns and as part of an ongoing commitment to participant well-being, the BBC implemented enhanced welfare measures for Strictly Come Dancing in July of the preceding year. These proactive steps included introducing chaperones in all rehearsal venues, augmenting the production team with two dedicated welfare producers, and providing comprehensive additional training for all professional dancers, production staff, and crew members.
The legal submission involving Wynne Evans follows a separate incident earlier this year where the Welsh opera singer, a celebrity dancer from the previous series, made a controversial comment during the Strictly live tour launch in January. Evans subsequently took a temporary leave from his BBC Radio Wales daytime program, with the BBC addressing the matter publicly in May, reiterating its standards for conduct.
Further compounding the show’s recent challenges, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was suspended by the BBC in June. This disciplinary action followed a report by The Sun detailing Borthwick’s alleged use of a derogatory slur against individuals with disabilities during Strictly rehearsals in November. Borthwick promptly issued an apology, and the BBC publicly condemned his language as “entirely unacceptable,” reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on such behavior.
The BBC’s diligent approach to these various incidents, from alleged drug use to inappropriate conduct, demonstrates its unwavering dedication to maintaining a professional and supportive environment for all participants and crew involved in its flagship entertainment programs. This ongoing investigation into the alleged substance abuse serves as a critical test of the corporation’s ability to address internal issues transparently and effectively, ensuring the continued trust of its audience and the welfare of its stars.
