Strictly Come Dancing Star Arrested on Suspicion of Rape
An unnamed star linked to Strictly Come Dancing has been arrested on suspicion of rape, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
According to police, the man, who was taken into custody on Friday, is also being investigated over alleged “non-consensual intimate image abuse.” He was later released on bail on Saturday and is expected to remain under police conditions until late November.
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment directly, saying:
“It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
The arrest is said to have no connection to the upcoming series of Strictly, which is currently in production and scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. It remains unclear what specific role the individual had in the programme.
The Metropolitan Police explained that the arrest stemmed from a third-party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. In a joint statement with Hertfordshire Constabulary, the force urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
This latest development comes amid a series of controversies surrounding the long-running BBC dance show, which has aired since 2004 and is largely filmed at Elstree Studios. In recent years, several of its professional dancers and celebrity contestants have faced scrutiny over their off-stage behaviour.
Earlier this month, the BBC launched a separate internal investigation into claims of drug use involving two unnamed Strictly stars. The Metropolitan Police also confirmed it was looking into allegations of substance misuse linked to the show.
Despite the scandals, Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the BBC’s most successful programmes, attracting millions of viewers each year.