Strictly Come Dancing Personality Arrested in Connection with Rape Allegation
A performer associated with the hit BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman. The alleged incident is reported to have occurred after a BBC-related event.
According to reports, the individual in custody is not a contestant or a professional dancer on the show. It is alleged that the complainant met the accused as a direct result of the man's involvement with the BBC programme.
A man was arrested last month and has since been released on police bail while the investigation continues. Hertfordshire Police confirmed the arrest to The Sun, stating: 'A man was released on police bail under investigation having been arrested in London on Monday 13 October on suspicion of rape.'
The force added that inquiries by officers from its Public Protection team are ongoing and that it would be inappropriate to comment further. The BBC has also declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the police investigation.
A Series of Scandals for the BBC Show
This arrest is the latest in a string of controversies to hit the popular ballroom dancing show. In 2023, contestant Amanda Abbington quit the series and later accused her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice, of creating a 'toxic environment' with 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean' behaviour.
An internal BBC review into these allegations, concluded in 2024, found no evidence of physical aggression but upheld six complaints of verbal bullying and harassment against Pernice, who was subsequently removed from the professional lineup.
Weeks later, another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, departed from Strictly following allegations he was 'physically and verbally abusive' towards his former partner, Zara McDermott.
Further issues have included Go Compare star Wynne Evans being axed from the Strictly Live tour for his language, and separate, unconnected allegations of cocaine abuse among those involved with the show.
This new arrest marks the second time an unnamed Strictly star has been detained on suspicion of rape, following a separate claim that emerged in August 2024.
BBC's Response and Safeguarding Overhaul
A source described the situation as an 'absolute nightmare for the BBC', coming after bosses had worked to steady the ship. Another source emphasised that safeguarding measures are now at the heart of all BBC shows and that the corporation will 'always adapt as necessary.'
In response to the previous scandals, the BBC introduced new safeguarding protocols for Strictly Come Dancing last year. These measures include:
- Chaperones being allocated to each rehearsal room.
- The introduction of new welfare staff.
- Enhanced training for all involved.
The news comes amid wider turbulence for the BBC, which led to the resignation of Director General Tim Davie. Before stepping down, Mr Davie warned MPs in September 2025 that more problems were likely to be uncovered as the corporation strives for transparency.
