For years it’s been viewed as one of the glitziest shows on TV, where celebrities push themselves to the limit learning a string of difficult routines.

But Strictly Come Dancing’s scandal-plagued run has taken a shocking new turn in recent weeks, with claims two of its stars are being investigated for using drugs, while another historic name has been arrested on suspicion of rape.

These are just the tip of the iceberg in what’s been months of turmoil for the series, in the wake of Wynne Evans’ controversial axe and allegations of abusive behaviour aimed at pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.

In the past, Strictly fans also quipped about show’s famous ‘curse,’ which saw some stars engage in romances with their professional partners during or after the show.

And while it’s a term that bosses would rather forget, it seems that the show could truly be under a dark cloud, as its list of controversies continues to grow.

The cloud seems to have taken a toll on the new series, with fans berating this year’s lineup, featuring significantly less women than men, as its worst yet.

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And these don’t eventouch on past scandals that hit the show, including voting gaffes, ageism rows, and controversial exits.

For BBC bosses it may be full steam ahead for Strictly’s return next month, but for viewers, it will be hard to forget these dramas that have dominated the headlines…

Rape allegations

Last week it was reported that a male star who previously competed on Strictly was arrested on suspicion of rape.

The male suspect is reportedly being ‘quizzed by police over allegations involving non-consensual intimate image abuse’.

According to The Mirror, bosses are confident the dance show, including training sessions, can carry on. They also reported that a police investigation is continuing.

The Met Police said the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.

Last week it was reported that a male star who previously competed on Strictly was arrested on suspicion of rape (hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman pictured)

A Met spokesman told Daily Mail: ‘On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.

‘This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us.

‘The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing.’

The Met Police also added the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.

Cocaine use probe

Lawyers launched an external probe into the family-friendly show earlier this month amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.

It was reported by The Sun On Sunday that detectives from the Met Police were allegedly examining other allegations.

Sources said: ‘It’s a significant new development in the BBC’s recent string of crises that they have now got the police involved in investigating allegations surrounding Strictly. This is a very dramatic turn of events.

‘Despite all the show and its team have been through over recent months, it’s hugely controversial that you’ve now got Scotland Yard detectives probing Strictly.

‘This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it’s not a good look for the BBC.’

A BBC spokesperson said: ‘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.’

Lawyers launched an external probe into the family-friendly show earlier this month amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine (the Strictly pros are pictured in 2024)

One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath.

The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker.

The publication reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year’s show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours.

A BBC spokesperson said: ‘We do not recognise these claims and any suggestion that anyone has been asked to monitor an individual is completely untrue.’

Last week, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show’s stars.

He went on to claim that drug use was so common on the show, that when he found a suspicious bag of white powder, an unfazed senior producer told him to ‘leave it on my desk’ as the incident failed to raise even an eyebrow.

It was also reported that the two stars who took cocaine on the show have been offered professional support.

Lack of interest from women

This year’s Strictly lineup has already earned a mixed reaction from fans, with this year’s cast including several former reality stars such as Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Apprentice candidate Tom Skinner.

It also appears that female celebrities are too terrified to sign up, with six women appearing on the cast this year compared to nine males, and bosses have certainly lowered the previously high bar with who they allow to take part.

Strictly bosses previously banned influencers and reality stars from taking part, with now the likes of former Apprentice contestant Tom, who was fired by Lord Sugar in 2019, deemed famous enough to compete, with one Daily Mail reader saying: ‘More than half are not celebrities.’

The disappointing line-up hasn’t gone unnoticed as thousands of Strictly fans took to platform X to voice their criticisms.

A TV source added: ‘Strictly isn’t the show it used to be. It has been hit by scandal after scandal and now it’s impossible for it to recover.

This year’s Strictly lineup has already earned a mixed reaction from fans, with this year’s cast including Love Island winner Dani Dyer (right) and ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison (left)

Strictly previously banned reality stars from taking part with now ex-Apprentice contestant Tom Skinner, who was fired by Lord Sugar in 2019, deemed famous enough to compete

‘Bosses used to be very particular about the lineup but now celebrities who have previously been on a host of shows, even winning I’m A Celeb in Vicky’s case, have been recruited.

‘The lack of women in the cast this year says it all, females are afraid to take part due to the controversies of recent years while few changes have been made to ensure safety in the training rooms.

‘It’s sad because the show was once so loved by viewers of all ages but there’s an unavoidable darkness now and insiders even believe this could be the last ever series.’

This year’s cast also includes EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, Lioness Karen Carney, Lorraine Showbiz correspondent Ross King and influencer Ellie Goldstein, who made history when she became the first model with Down syndrome to cover British Vogue magazine.

Rugby player Chris Robshaw, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, YouTuber George Clarke, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will also be taking to the Strictly ballroom next month.

Wynne Evans’ axe

Wynne, who used to front the Go Compare ads, appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year when he was partnered with Katya Jones.

However, his time on the show was mired in controversy.

Wynne was filmed using the vile term ‘spit roast’ – a three-way sex act – to his co-star Jamie Borthwick in relation to professional dancer Janette Manrara during the launch of the Strictly Live Tour.

An apology was released on the singer’s behalf and he was subsequently suspended from Strictly Come Dancing’s live tour.

Evans has claimed he did not see the statement before it was put out. It read: ‘My language was inappropriate and unacceptable for which I sincerely apologise.’

Wynne Evans, who competed on the show in 2024, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage

He explained his initial reaction to finding out he had offended someone was ‘Oh God, I’m so sorry’ but this was taken as a formal apology by the press team. Evans said the apology ‘validated the story’ and ‘made it look worse’.

Evans said he was placed on 24/7 suicide watch by a crisis team after the saga which has completely derailed his career.

Wynne denied it was a sexual jibe about a female presenter and insisted he used the term ‘spit roast’ as a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick.

During his time on the main show, Wynne found himself caught up in a ‘wandering hand’ incident with his Strictly professional dance partner, Katya Jones.

Wynne appeared to slide his hand across Katya’s waist, before she pushed him off. Later in the show, he offered his partner a high five, which she ignored before turning back to the camera, stone-faced.

The opera singer confirmed in May the BBC will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract, meaning he wouldn’t be returning to his radio show, following a four-month investigation in the wake of inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly.

Graziano Di Prima’s sacking

Graziano was fired by BBC bosses in July last year, after it was claimed he’d been ‘physically and verbally abusive’ towards his celebrity dance partner Zara.

Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Graziano wrote on Instagram over the weekend: ‘I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.

‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.

‘There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.’

Daily Mail revealed that Strictly production staff raised concerns about Graziano’s conduct last year, but bosses only went as far as to issue quiet warnings to him.

The group expected him to be sacked instantly. They are said to be furious that their complaints were ignored, meaning the abuse towards Zara was allowed to continue. Graziano was even signed on for Strictly’s 2024 series.

A source from the show said: ‘There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal, but all of it was dreadful.’

Graziano Di Prma was fired by BBC bosses last year, after it was claimed he’d been ‘physically and verbally abusive’ towards his celebrity dance partner Zara