Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC’s beloved Saturday night staple, finds itself in the eye of a storm as allegations of cocaine use among its stars have triggered a Metropolitan Police investigation—just weeks before its highly anticipated September 2025 return. The scandal, which has grown from whispers behind the scenes to front-page news, has left fans, cast, and the broadcaster itself grappling with questions about what really goes on behind the glitter and sequins.
According to The Sun, the first public inkling of trouble came earlier in August 2025, when the newspaper reported that the BBC had launched an internal probe into claims that two unnamed stars from the 2024 series had taken cocaine, a Class A drug. At the time, a BBC spokesperson stressed, "We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further."
But the story didn’t stop there. On August 12, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had received an allegation about drug-related offences linked to Strictly Come Dancing. In a statement shared with The Mirror, the police said, "Police are assessing the information, and further enquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed. We won’t be commenting further at this time." The BBC, for its part, has maintained its policy of not commenting on ongoing police investigations, reiterating only that its procedures for handling serious complaints are robust.
The roots of the current investigation trace back to March 2025, when a law firm representing former Strictly contestant Wynne Evans made a legal submission to the BBC. Evans, an opera singer best known for his appearances in Go Compare advertisements, participated in the 2024 series, dancing alongside professional Katya Jones. Earlier this year, Evans found himself embroiled in controversy after making what was described as an "inappropriate and unacceptable" sexual joke during the launch of the official Strictly tour. The fallout saw him step back from both the tour and his BBC radio show, missing the tour’s final live performances.
Evans later insisted that his comment had been taken out of context and accused the BBC of issuing an apology on his behalf without his approval—a claim the BBC denied, stating the apology was "fully approved by Wynne." While this earlier controversy had already placed the show under an uncomfortable spotlight, the emergence of drug allegations has raised the stakes considerably.
As reported by The Mirror, the BBC responded to the new claims by enlisting the high-profile law firm Pinsent Masons to conduct an internal investigation. Former participants, professional dancers, and crew members were all invited to speak with solicitors and share any concerns or experiences they might have had. The inquiry, which reportedly began before the police were contacted, appears to have been prompted by claims that cocaine use was an "open secret" among some members of the show’s cast.
One particularly striking allegation involved a Strictly star allegedly commenting on another individual’s dilated pupils, hinting at drug intoxication. As reported by The Sun, the star was quoted as saying, "Have you seen their pupils... they're off their face." This kind of casual reference, if accurate, points to a culture where such behavior may have been normalized or at least tolerated, raising uncomfortable questions about oversight on one of the BBC’s flagship programs.
In response to the mounting crisis, it has been reported that the BBC offered those implicated the chance to undergo rehabilitation. There are also claims that random drug testing could be introduced during upcoming Strictly tours—events often known for their lively after-parties. While these measures have not been officially confirmed by the broadcaster, they reflect a sense of urgency within the BBC to address the issue head-on and restore public confidence in the show.
The timing of these revelations is particularly awkward for the BBC. Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to return to screens in September 2025, with the line-up of 15 celebrities announced just a week before the police investigation became public knowledge. The show, a cornerstone of the BBC’s autumn schedule, draws millions of viewers and is seen as a symbol of family-friendly entertainment. That image now faces its most serious test in years.
Industry insiders have described the police involvement as a "significant new development in the BBC’s recent string of crises." One source told The Sun, "This is a very dramatic turn of events. Despite all the show and its team have been through over recent months, it’s hugely controversial that you’ve now got Scotland Yard detectives probing Strictly. This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it’s not a good look for the BBC."
For many, the fact that this is reportedly the first time the BBC has contacted the police over allegations linked to Strictly Come Dancing underscores the seriousness of the situation. While the broadcaster has faced controversies in the past, the suggestion of drug use among its stars—and the subsequent police probe—marks a new and uncomfortable chapter.
Despite the intense media scrutiny, the BBC has so far declined to offer further comment beyond its initial statements. The broadcaster’s hope, it seems, is that its internal protocols and the involvement of both legal and law enforcement authorities will reassure viewers and stakeholders that the matter is being taken seriously. Still, the damage to Strictly’s reputation may be harder to repair, especially if the investigation uncovers evidence of a broader cultural problem behind the scenes.
As the new season approaches, fans and critics alike are left wondering what impact these revelations will have on the show’s future. Will the introduction of random drug testing and offers of rehabilitation be enough to change the culture? Or will the shadow of this scandal linger over the ballroom for seasons to come?
For now, all eyes remain on the Metropolitan Police’s ongoing investigation and the steps the BBC will take as the curtain rises on a new series. The outcome could shape not only the future of Strictly Come Dancing but also the way the BBC—and the wider entertainment industry—responds to allegations of misconduct in its ranks.
With the glitterball trophy still up for grabs, the show must go on. But this year, the drama offstage may prove to be just as compelling as anything viewers see under the spotlight.
