Strictly Come Dancing given ‘clean bill of health’ by BBC bosses as stars cleared in cocaine probe

by

BBC executives have investigated claims that two contestants on Strictly Come Dancing used cocaine, following a complaint from former participant Wynne Evans, and found no evidence to support the allegations.

After the accusation surfaced last summer, the company began looking into the show and brought in an outside law firm to conduct the investigation.

The program has been approved to continue now that investigators found no proof to back up Mr. Evans’s allegations.

According to a source close to the show, the BBC considered Huw Edwards’ accuser’s claims very seriously and launched a thorough external investigation to ensure everything was examined.

Okay, so all the drama is finally over, and honestly, it’s like a huge weight has been lifted! They did a full investigation, and Strictly is completely in the clear, even though that Wynne person tried to stir up trouble. Everyone involved – the dancers, the judges, the crew – we’re all just SO relieved and excited to start fresh later this year. It’s going to be an amazing season, I can just feel it! A totally clean slate, and I’m already counting down the days!

News of this will be welcome for program executives, especially as they’re currently searching for new presenters after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decided to leave the show last year.

The negative atmosphere around the show may have discouraged celebrities from wanting to host it, potentially impacting its future.

Last March, the law firm Russells filed a legal document with the BBC, accusing Mr. Evans of using drugs.

Following reports in The Mail on Sunday that he made an inappropriate comment to Janette Manrara – a former Strictly professional and host of It Takes Two – Mr. Evans was removed from the Strictly tour in January 2025. He has since claimed this happened after his partnership with Katya Jones on the 2024 series.

His comments were made when Strictly stars came together for a photocall to launch the tour.

Last November, an unnamed Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape.

The woman who reported the assault wasn’t a participant or performer in the competition, but she met the man because of it. She claims she was raped at an event hosted by the BBC.

In 2023, the show Strictly Come Dancing faced controversy when actress Amanda Abbington accused her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, of inappropriate behavior.

He was accused of verbally bullying and being abusive, but an investigation found him innocent of the worst claims.

The BBC declined to comment.

Read More

2026-02-22 03:53