Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC’s flagship dance competition, is once again embroiled in a significant controversy as reports emerge of a high-level investigation into alleged cocaine use by two of its prominent stars. This alarming development threatens to cast a shadow over the popular entertainment program, sparking serious concerns within the broadcaster and among its loyal viewership.
The BBC has reportedly engaged an external law firm to thoroughly probe these grave allegations, which initially surfaced in a legal submission by Russells on behalf of a former contestant back in March. These claims suggest that the illicit drug use by the individuals in question was widely known and discussed among the show’s cast and crew, indicating a potentially deeper-seated issue within the production.
As part of this comprehensive independent inquiry, the law firm Pinsent Masons has been appointed to facilitate discussions with various individuals connected to the show. Former contestants, professional dancers, and production crew members will reportedly have the opportunity to come forward and express any concerns or provide information related to the alleged drug taking, aiming to uncover the full extent of the situation.
Sources close to the investigation have underscored the extreme seriousness of these allegations, particularly given previous pledges by the BBC’s Director-General to address and “clean up” issues within Strictly Come Dancing. The notion of stars openly discussing drug use on a family-friendly program is deeply unsettling, prompting the BBC to finally take firm action after acknowledging receipt of these claims some time ago.
Further details from insiders suggest that one star allegedly described another as “off their face” on drugs, with a celebrity reportedly observing their dilated pupils as evidence of intoxication. Another prominent figure on the show purportedly confirmed that it was “well-known” among the cast that two stars were consuming cocaine, indicating a pervasive awareness of the alleged misconduct.
This latest scandal for Strictly Come Dancing comes amidst a period of persistent controversies for the BBC. Just last year, actress Amanda Abbington leveled serious accusations against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, citing “unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour” during their partnership. While a BBC investigation cleared Pernice of physical aggression, it upheld complaints of verbal bullying and harassment, leading to an apology issued to Abbington.
Adding to the show’s woes, Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans found himself at the center of a storm following a controversial joke and a “wandering hand” incident during his time preparing for the Strictly tour. The subsequent BBC investigation into his conduct led to the non-renewal of his radio contract, highlighting the broadcaster’s zero-tolerance stance on inappropriate behaviour.
Beyond Strictly, the BBC has faced other high-profile internal disputes, including the dismissal of Gregg Wallace from MasterChef after numerous complaints were upheld against him. Similarly, his co-star John Torode was also reportedly sacked amid allegations of using a racial slur. More recently, presenter Naga Munchetty is said to be under investigation following accusations of “hard” and “bullying” behaviour by junior colleagues, underscoring a broader pattern of internal challenges for the corporation.
