A Strictly Come Dancing star has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of rape.
According to The Sun, the man was detained last month over an incident that allegedly happened in 2024. He cannot be named for legal reasons.
It is understood that the woman who made the complaint was not a contestant or professional dancer on the BBC programme.
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Hertfordshire Police has confirmed an arrest took place in London on 13 October, and he was later released on bail as an investigation continues.
A BBC spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
However, a source within the corporation told the newspaper that it is an “absolute nightmare” for the BBC and “a heartbreaking situation”.
They added: “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.”
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This arrest comes three months after another male Strictly star was also arrested on suspicion of rape.
The man in his 30s, who has not been named, faces a separate alleged offence of “non-consensual intimate image abuse”.
Strictly Come Dancing – one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment shows – has faced several controversies of late.
Over the summer, an external law firm was fired to investigate claims that two of the programme’s stars had taken cocaine.
Last year, the BBC apologised to Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who had accused her dancing partner of verbal bullying and harassment.
“Some, but not all” of the allegations were upheld against Giovanni Pernice. He has denied “threatening or abusive behaviour” – and claimed the complaints had been made to destroy his career.
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Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice perform on Strictly in 2023. Pic: BBC/Guy Levy
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, who competed in 2024, also apologised for making an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark to a woman during the show’s live tour launch.
Last month, Strictly presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman jointly announced they will be leaving the show at the conclusion of the current series – and passing on “the very sparkly baton” to new hosts.
