The world of British television was rocked in October 2025 when a star from the beloved BBC series Strictly Come Dancing was arrested in London on suspicion of rape, thrusting the long-running show into the center of a new controversy. According to reports from The Sun, the unnamed man—whose identity is protected for legal reasons—was detained by Hertfordshire Police on Monday, October 13, 2025, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred after a BBC event in Hertfordshire in 2024. The alleged victim, it was clarified by multiple outlets including BBC News and Sky News, was not a contestant or professional dancer, but had met the man due to his involvement in the hit dance competition.
Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed the arrest, stating: “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 echoed this sentiment, with a spokesperson telling BBC News: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
This latest arrest is not an isolated incident for the popular entertainment program. Just three months prior, in August 2025, another male associated with Strictly Come Dancing was arrested—also under suspicion of rape and, additionally, for alleged “non-consensual intimate image abuse.” That individual, described as being in his thirties and likewise unnamed, was detained by the Metropolitan Police in East London and subsequently released on bail, as reported by The Independent and NationalWorld.
The string of recent legal troubles has cast a shadow over Strictly Come Dancing, a show that has been a staple of British television since 2004 and is filmed primarily at Elstree Studios. Once celebrated for its glitzy costumes, dazzling dance routines, and family-friendly appeal, the program now finds itself grappling with an array of scandals that threaten its reputation. As one source told The Sun, “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.” The same source described the situation as “an absolute nightmare” and “a heartbreaking situation” for the broadcaster.
These recent arrests are just the latest in a series of controversies that have dogged Strictly Come Dancing over the past few years. Earlier in 2025, the BBC called in an external law firm to investigate claims that two of the show’s stars had taken cocaine, with the alleged drug use described as an “open secret” on set. The Metropolitan Police confirmed in August that it was investigating these allegations, according to Sky News and NationalWorld.
The show has also been rocked by accusations of bullying and harassment. In 2023, professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was investigated after his celebrity dance partner, Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, accused him of “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying.” A subsequent BBC review found no evidence of physical aggression but did uphold accusations of swearing and giving negative feedback. Pernice, who left the show amid the controversy, denied using “threatening or abusive behaviour” and claimed the complaints had been made to destroy his career, as reported by The Independent and NationalWorld.
Other scandals have emerged as well. In July 2024, pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show after allegations about his behavior toward Love Island star Zara McDermott. In the same year, opera singer Wynne Evans, who competed in 2024, was removed from the Strictly Live Tour and his BBC Radio Wales show after being caught on camera making a sexually explicit remark about a fellow cast member. Evans later issued a public apology, stating: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise.”
The fallout from these incidents prompted the BBC to implement a series of reforms aimed at preventing further misconduct. As detailed by The Independent, new rules introduced included the use of chaperones during training sessions, the addition of welfare producers to the production team, and the provision of training for dancers, crew, and staff on appropriate workplace behavior. These measures were designed to restore trust among viewers and participants, but the recent arrests have tested the effectiveness of these safeguards.
Meanwhile, the show’s presenting lineup is also undergoing a major transformation. Last month, long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would be stepping down at the end of the current series, passing the “very sparkly baton” to new faces. Their departures, confirmed by Sky News, mark the end of an era for the program and come at a time when the show’s leadership is under intense scrutiny.
Despite the ongoing investigations and negative headlines, Strictly Come Dancing continues to draw millions of viewers each week, a testament to its enduring popularity. But with two arrests on suspicion of rape in just three months, alongside a host of other controversies, the program’s future is uncertain. The BBC, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to supporting all those involved and cooperating fully with law enforcement.
As inquiries by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Public Protection team continue and the show’s producers work to address systemic issues, many in the industry are left wondering what more can be done to safeguard participants and maintain the integrity of one of Britain’s most cherished television institutions. The coming months will be crucial in determining not only the outcome of the police investigations but also the long-term fate of Strictly Come Dancing itself.
For now, the BBC and its flagship dance show remain under the spotlight, navigating a period of unprecedented challenge as they strive to restore public confidence and ensure that the glitterball trophy shines for all the right reasons.
