The world of British television was rocked last Friday when a man in his thirties, linked to the hit show Strictly Come Dancing, was arrested in East London on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. The arrest, which took place on August 22, 2025, comes as part of a joint investigation by the Metropolitan Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary, following a third-party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences, as reported by multiple outlets including BBC News, Sky News, and Hemel Today.
The individual at the center of the investigation has not been named, and details about his specific role within the Strictly Come Dancing franchise remain undisclosed. However, police and media sources have been quick to clarify that the arrest is not related to the upcoming 23rd series of the beloved dance competition, which is currently in rehearsal and scheduled to launch in September 2025.
According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, "On Friday 22 August, officers arrested a man in his 30s in east London on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary. While the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with information to come forward, quoting 8479/22AUG." The spokesperson added, "Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by submitting an online form."
The man was released on bail the following day, Saturday, August 23, 2025, with a bail date set for late November, according to BBC News and Sky News. The Metropolitan Police emphasized that inquiries are ongoing and that the investigation remains in its initial phases.
Hertfordshire Constabulary, which is working alongside the Met, has not released additional details about the investigation. The BBC, as the broadcaster of Strictly Come Dancing, has also refrained from commenting. A spokesperson told the press, "It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation." This sentiment was echoed across all major news outlets covering the story, including The Evening Standard and Evoke.ie.
The arrest follows a third-party allegation, meaning that the original report did not come from the alleged victim or the suspect, but rather from someone else with knowledge of the alleged incidents. The allegations cover both sexual and drug-related offences, though police have not provided further specifics about the nature or timing of these alleged acts.
This latest controversy comes at a turbulent time for Strictly Come Dancing. The show, which has been a staple of British television since 2004 and is predominantly filmed at Elstree Studios, has faced a spate of negative headlines over the past two years. In 2024, the BBC launched a review into the show after Amanda Abbington, a former contestant, accused her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying and harassment. While not all of Abbington’s complaints were upheld, the broadcaster responded by introducing new welfare measures, including appointing a chaperone to be present during all training room rehearsals, as reported by The Evening Standard.
More recently, earlier in August 2025, the BBC called in external lawyers to investigate claims that two unnamed stars of the show had used cocaine. According to BBC News and Sky News, these claims were submitted in a legal document to the broadcaster in March 2025, prompting a broader investigation into drug use on the set. The Metropolitan Police also confirmed they were looking into allegations of drug use related to the program.
Despite these controversies, the upcoming 23rd season of Strictly Come Dancing remains on track, with rehearsals underway and a premiere date set for September. National media outlets have stressed that the current investigation and arrest are not linked to any of the stars set to appear in the new series. The BBC has maintained its stance of non-comment due to the ongoing nature of the police investigation, and the production team is said to be focused on preparing the show’s return to screens.
The series has long been a ratings juggernaut for the BBC, drawing millions of viewers each autumn and winter. Its blend of celebrity glamour, dazzling choreography, and dramatic eliminations has made it a fixture in British popular culture. Yet, as the show’s profile has grown, so too has the scrutiny surrounding the behavior of its participants and production staff.
The recent scandals have prompted the BBC to take a more proactive approach to safeguarding and welfare. After the 2024 bullying review, the broadcaster introduced stricter protocols and increased oversight in rehearsal spaces. The addition of a chaperone was seen as a direct response to concerns about contestant well-being and the pressures of live television competition. These measures were designed to foster a safer, more supportive environment for both celebrities and professionals alike.
The ongoing police investigation now adds a new layer of complexity and concern for the show’s management. With the man in question bailed until November and the investigation still in its infancy, speculation is likely to continue swirling around the identity of the individual and the potential impact on the program’s reputation.
For now, the BBC and law enforcement remain tight-lipped, urging members of the public who may have information to come forward. The Metropolitan Police’s reference number, 8479/22AUG, has been widely circulated in the press, along with contact details for Crimestoppers, as authorities seek to gather as much evidence as possible.
As the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing approaches, the production faces the dual challenge of delivering its trademark entertainment while contending with the fallout from ongoing investigations. The show’s fans, meanwhile, are left to wonder how these behind-the-scenes dramas will shape the future of one of the UK’s most cherished television institutions.
With the investigation still in its early days and the show’s new season on the horizon, all eyes remain on the BBC, the police, and the wider Strictly community for further developments. The coming months are sure to test the resilience of the program and its ability to weather the latest in a series of high-profile storms.