A Strictly Come Dancing star has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman following a BBC event, it is reported.
The claimant was not a contestant on the show or a pro dancer, but allegedly met the accused as a result of the man’s participation in the BBC show.
A man, who can not be named at this time, was arrested last month, according to The Sun.
Hertfordshire Police last night confirmed to the publication an arrest had taken place.
‘A man was released on police bail under investigation having been arrested in London on Monday 13 October on suspicion of rape,’ they said in a statement.
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‘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.’
This comes after a number of scandals involving the BBC ballroom show were unearthed in recent months and years, after 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington who was partnered with pro Giovanni Pernice, quit Strictly shortly into her time on the show.
After months of rumours accusing Pernice of toxic behaviour in his teaching on the show – which the dancer denied – he was removed from the lineup.
In July 2024, Abbington accused Pernice of ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’ behaviour and creating a ‘toxic environment’ which prompted the BBC to launch a probe.
The review concluded there were no findings relating to physical aggression, but six complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld against him.
Weeks later, fellow pro Graziano Di Prima departed from Strictly after allegations he was ‘physically and verbally abusive’ towards his former dance partner, Zara McDermott.
After that Go Compare star Wynne Evans was axed from the Strictly Live tour for language used at a photocall. Unconnected allegations of cocaine abuse on Strictly also emerged.
In August it was revealed an unnamed Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape, seperate from this new claim.
A source told the outlet of this second arrest: ‘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.
Another said: ‘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.’
Last year the BBC introduced new safeguarding measures on Strictly, including chaperones being allocated to each rehearsal room and new welfare staff and training.
It comes amid wider scandals in the BBC, brought to Director General Tim Davie, who warned MPs in September this year more were yet to be unearthed.
‘I don’t think you can change culture in six months and suddenly say nothing’s going to occur,’ he said.
‘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.’
Davie has since resigned.
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