Strictly Come Dancing Backs Star Amid Cocaine Allegations

Strictly Come Dancing has publicly expressed its support for a dancer accused of using cocaine, despite an ongoing drugs investigation. This decision comes as the BBC faces scrutiny over the allegations, which have cast a shadow over the upcoming series of the popular dance competition.

Insiders have indicated that the show’s leadership is demonstrating significant loyalty to the accused star. According to a source quoted by the Daily Mail, “Strictly bosses have shown huge loyalty to this person by standing by him and making sure they are very much involved in this year’s show.” The support persists even as an internal inquiry is underway alongside a police investigation.

On August 12, 2023, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they received an allegation regarding drug-related offences. A spokesperson stated, “We are assessing the information and further inquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence.” As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the case.

The controversy has led to concerns about the show’s reputation. A source told The Sun, “It’s quite astonishing given the scandals the show has had to weather in recent years that they are now standing by this star. It’s certainly raised a few eyebrows. At the end of the day, Strictly is a family show, so it’s not a good look.”

This situation is further complicated by previous incidents within the programme. In March 2023, Wynne Evans, a contestant set to appear in the upcoming series, reportedly made a legal submission to the BBC regarding alleged drug use on the show through his law firm, Russells. This submission followed Evans being removed from the BBC due to a controversial comment made during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.

The new series, which is set to kick off later this month, will feature several notable personalities, including Dani Dyer and Lewis Cope.

A spokesperson for the BBC addressed the drug allegations, stating, “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”

As the investigation unfolds, the future of the series remains uncertain, with fans and critics alike keenly observing how the BBC will navigate this challenging situation.