Strictly star arrested on suspicion of raping woman following BBC event as new scandal hits show
A STRICTLY star has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman after a BBC event.
It comes less than three months after another star of the BBC’s flagship dance show was arrested for an alleged rape.
A Strictly star has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman after a BBC event (stock picture)
The BBC has been under increasing pressure to pause StrictlyCredit: BBC
The latest claim relates to an alleged incident in 2024, with a man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, arrested last month.
The woman who claims she was assaulted was not a contestant or pro dancer on the Bafta-winning show.
The pair had met as a result of the star’s participation in the flagship contest, which has been rocked by a string of scandals in recent years.
Hertfordshire Police last night confirmed the arrest, and said that inquiries are continuing.
News of the latest allegation comes less than three months after another Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape and a separate alleged offence of “intimate image abuse”.
Bosses have done their utmost to steady the ship and make the show as scandal-free as possible, and yet now this has happened.
Source
Long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced on October 23 they were leaving — ten days after the latest arrest.
The BBC has been under increasing pressure to pause Strictly, which is now in its 23rd series.
It would allow corporation chiefs to take their time choosing new hosts while bolstering safeguarding measures and revitalising the format.
Last night a source told The Sun: “This is an absolute nightmare for the BBC – a heartbreaking situation.
“Bosses have done their utmost to steady the ship and make the show as scandal-free as possible, and yet now this has happened.
“The BBC is taking this very seriously and will absolutely offer support to all concerned.”
Another insider added: “The series is due to go ahead as scheduled in 2026 but, of course, safeguarding measures are at the heart of all BBC shows in this current climate. And we will always adapt as necessary.”
In August the BBC launched an investigation into alleged Class A drug use by two of the show’s stars.
We then revealed a male Strictly star had been arrested on August 22 for rape — which is separate to the latest allegations.
Shrouded in controversy
The suspect was also questioned by police over allegations involving “non-consensual intimate image abuse”.
Other recent scandals to beset Strictly include a bullying probe last year into pro Giovanni Pernice.
We revealed that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington launched a formal complaint against the Italian, who denied any wrongdoing.
He left the show in the summer of 2024.
That September the BBC issued a formal apology to Amanda after six of 17 complaints against Giovanni were upheld.
Former BBC Director-General Tim Davie admitted to MPs in September this year that ‘we may see more things coming out’Credit: Getty
The most recent Strictly live tour was shrouded in controversyCredit: BBC
Meanwhile, fellow pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was fired from the show in July last year for gross misconduct.
A video showed he had kicked celeb partner Zara McDermott in the back during rehearsals.
The most recent Strictly live tour was shrouded in controversy after opera singer Wynne Evans was axed for using the term “spitroast” during a photocall.
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was also sacked after a video emerged of the actor using derogatory language.
‘More things coming out’
Last year the BBC announced new safeguarding measures for Strictly in the wake of the scandals.
These included having chaperones in all rehearsal rooms, adding two new welfare producers and providing additional training for the dancers, production team and crew.
However, the-then BBC Director-General Tim Davie admitted to MPs in September this year that “we may see more things coming out”.
Questioned over BBC “talent” abusing their positions, Mr Davie told the Culture, Media and Sport Committee: “We are seeing people call it out, and that is a positive change, but it’s ongoing work.
The allegations relate to an incident which happened in Hertfordshire during 2024.
Herts Police
“I don’t think you can change culture in six months and suddenly say nothing’s going to occur.
“We may see more things coming out, because in some ways I’m asking for it, and being utterly transparent and running towards the problem.”
He has since stepped down over a Panorama editing blunder.
Herts Police said last night of the latest case: “A man was released on police bail under investigation having been arrested in London on Monday 13 October on suspicion of rape.
“The allegations relate to an incident which happened in Hertfordshire during 2024.
“Meanwhile inquiries by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Public Protection team will continue.
“Given the nature of the allegations, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.”
The BBC said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
FLAGSHIP CONTEST BESET BY SCANDAL
NOV 2018: Actor Danny John-Jules accused of bullying his pro partner Amy Dowden, which he denies.
SEPT 2023: Amanda Abbington threatens to quit Strictly after rows with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
MARCH 2024: The actress hires top legal firm Carter-Ruck and meets with Giovanni’s ex-dance partners to discuss their “difficult experiences”.
MAY 2024: The Sun reveals Giovanni has sensationally quit Strictly. Insiders confirm the BBC has launched a probe.
JULY 2024: The Sun reveals Graziano Di Prima is sacked for gross misconduct after it emerged he kicked dance partner Zara McDermott in training.
AUGUST 2024: We also reveal that Giovanni is on the brink of being totally cleared before a last-ditch disclosure from Amanda plunges probe into chaos.
SEPT 2024: We reveal that the BBC probe upholds six of 17 complaints against Giovanni while BBC issues an apology to Amanda.
JANUARY 2025: Go Compare star Wynne Evans is axed from the Strictly Live tour after using the term “spitroast” at a photocall.
APRIL 2025: Evans submits dossier of evidence into inquiry over his behaviour on the show.
AUGUST 3, 2025: The BBC hires a new law firm to probe cocaine abuse allegations on Strictly.
AUGUST 17, 2025: The Met Police confirms it is investigating drug claims.
AUGUST 24, 2025: The Sun on Sunday reveals that an unnamed Strictly star has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
OCTOBER 2025: Long- running hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announce they are leaving.
