The hit BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing faces a fresh crisis after one of its stars was arrested on suspicion of rape, according to reports.
Police Investigation Underway
A man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested in London on Monday, 13 October. The arrest relates to an alleged incident that is said to have taken place in Hertfordshire during 2024.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed the arrest in a statement, revealing that the man was subsequently released on police bail while their investigation continues. The force's Public Protection team is leading the inquiries.
In their statement, Hertfordshire Police said: "Given the nature of the allegations, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time."
Impact on the BBC Show
The Sun newspaper, which first broke the story, reported that the alleged victim was not a contestant or a professional dancer on the popular Saturday night entertainment show.
A spokesperson for the BBC declined to comment in depth on the situation, stating: "It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation."
This arrest represents the second major scandal to hit the show in recent months. In August, another male star from the programme was also arrested on suspicion of rape. That individual, a man in his 30s, was additionally detained over a separate alleged offence described as "non-consensual intimate image abuse".
Ongoing Fallout for Strictly
These consecutive controversies present a significant challenge for the BBC, which has promoted Strictly Come Dancing as a family-friendly flagship programme. The show has previously faced scrutiny over the welfare of its participants and the intensity of its training schedule.
With police investigations ongoing for both cases, the corporation faces mounting pressure to address the situation while respecting the legal process. The latest arrest threatens to overshadow the current series and could have long-term implications for the show's reputation.
