On Friday, August 22, 2025, a former star of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing was arrested in East London on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse, according to statements from the Metropolitan Police reported by The Independent and The Telegraph. The man, who is in his thirties, remains unnamed due to ongoing legal proceedings. His arrest follows a third-party allegation that also involves claims of sexual and drug-related offences, thrusting the long-running dance competition back into the spotlight for troubling reasons.
The Metropolitan Police, working jointly with Hertfordshire Constabulary, confirmed the details in a statement: "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 and while the investigation is in its early stages we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us quoting 8479/22AUG. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by submitting an online form. The arrest follows a third-party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing."
While the investigation is still in its infancy, the police have called for anyone with information to step forward, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in such sensitive cases. The authorities have also highlighted the role of Crimestoppers, an independent charity that allows individuals to share information anonymously, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the need for discretion and care as the inquiry proceeds.
Despite the timing of the arrest, both law enforcement and BBC sources have clarified that the case is not believed to be connected to the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, which is set to return to screens in September 2025. The current production is still in its rehearsal phase, and the BBC has stated that it would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation. A spokesperson for the broadcaster told The Independent: "It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation."
This latest incident comes on the heels of a string of controversies that have dogged the show in recent years. Earlier in August 2025, reports surfaced that the BBC had called in lawyers to investigate claims that two of the show's stars had used cocaine. These allegations, although separate from the recent arrest, have contributed to a sense of mounting pressure on the production to address issues of conduct and welfare among its participants.
Strictly Come Dancing has found itself at the center of repeated scandals over the past few years, sparking both public debate and internal reviews. In September 2023, professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was investigated for his behavior towards his celebrity dance partner, Amanda Abbington, known for her role in Sherlock. Abbington accused Pernice of "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying." A subsequent BBC review found no evidence of physical aggression but did uphold complaints of swearing and negative feedback, leading to a partial vindication of the concerns raised.
July 2024 saw further upheaval when pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show following allegations about his behavior towards Love Island star Zara McDermott. The details of those allegations were not fully disclosed, but the decision to remove Di Prima from the cast was widely reported and interpreted as a sign of the BBC's growing intolerance for misconduct among its high-profile talent.
Other incidents have also cast a shadow over the show's reputation. During the Strictly live tour in 2024, opera singer Wynne Evans apologized for "inappropriate and unacceptable" remarks he made, acknowledging the hurt his comments had caused. In the months that followed, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was suspended from the BBC after being accused of using an offensive term towards people with disabilities during his time on the program. Borthwick later apologized, stating that the terminology was "entirely unacceptable."
In response to these controversies, the BBC has instituted a series of reforms aimed at improving welfare and accountability on the show. After the Giovanni Pernice investigation, the corporation introduced new welfare measures, including the presence of chaperones at all times during training room rehearsals. Welfare producers were also added to the team, and additional training was provided for dancers, the production team, and crew. These steps were designed to foster a safer and more respectful environment for all participants, as well as to reassure viewers and stakeholders that the show takes allegations of misconduct seriously.
According to The Telegraph, the BBC's review of bullying and harassment allegations in 2024 led to a broader reassessment of its duty of care. The introduction of chaperones and welfare producers was seen as a necessary evolution for a program that regularly brings together celebrities, professional dancers, and production staff in high-pressure, high-profile settings. The move was widely welcomed by advocacy groups and industry observers, who noted that reality and competition shows can sometimes blur boundaries and create situations where inappropriate behavior goes unchecked.
Despite these efforts, the recurrence of serious allegations has kept the issue of participant welfare at the forefront of public discussion. The BBC has been careful to avoid commenting on individual cases while investigations are ongoing, but the broadcaster has reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all involved. The recent arrest, though not linked to the current series, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing live entertainment productions in maintaining both the appearance and the reality of integrity and responsibility.
The joint investigation by the Metropolitan Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary is expected to continue for some time, given the complexity of the allegations and the need for thoroughness. As the inquiry unfolds, the spotlight will remain on both the individual at the center of the case and the broader culture of Strictly Come Dancing, which has become one of the BBC's most watched and discussed programs since its debut. For now, the show must contend with the latest in a series of crises, even as it prepares to launch a new season and reassure its audience that lessons have been learned from the past.
With the investigation ongoing and details still emerging, the future for both the accused and the show itself hangs in the balance. The BBC's recent reforms and the vigilance of law enforcement suggest a more robust approach to safeguarding participants, but only time will tell whether these measures will be enough to restore public confidence and prevent further controversy.
