On Wednesday, Strictly Come Dancing emerged victorious as the top talent show at the National Television Awards, outshining competitors such as The Great British Bake Off from the BBC and Britain’s Got Talent.
Over the past few years, the dance competition has faced criticism due to a number of controversies. These include Wynne Evans’ offensive sexual remark during the Strictly tour, Graziano Di Prima being dismissed following allegations of kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, and accusations of bullying against Amanda Abbington.
Despite the show bagging a win, neither Claudia Winkleman, Tess Daly nor the dance crew were there to accept it since they were busy pre-recording the premiere episode of the upcoming season.
Alternatively, among the latest competition participants, Pete Wicks, JB Gill, Tasha Ghouri, and Montell Douglas stepped onto the stage to receive the award.
In their respective speeches, both Pete and JB expressed gratitude towards the audience of the show. Additionally, Pete extended a heartfelt acknowledgment to the team behind the scenes who worked diligently on the production.
JB commended Chris McClausland and Dianne Buswell for becoming the first in history to win the show, as Chris made headlines by triumphing over the contest as a visually impaired individual.
It comes after Strictly has been embroiled in a series of controversies in recent years.
In August, it was reported that a Strictly star had been arrested on suspicion of rape.
The man is currently under questioning by the police regarding accusations about sharing intimate images without consent.
The police are interrogating a male individual concerning claims of unauthorized distribution of private photos with sexual content.
On Friday, August 22nd, law enforcement officials apprehended an individual under the suspicion of committing rape and unauthorized distribution of intimate photos.
Together with Hertfordshire Constabulary, we are currently conducting an investigation that’s still in its initial phases. We kindly ask anyone who might have relevant details to step forward and share their information with us.
The arrest is made due to accusations, from a third party, about sexual misconduct and drug crimes. Further investigations are being conducted.
The Met Police also added the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.
According to a representative from the BBC, they prefer not to discuss matters related to an ongoing police investigation at this time.
There is nothing to suggest this is related to the current Strictly production.
The show mired in controversy is currently dealing with its greatest challenge, as it prepares for a comeback on screens less than a month from now, in 2025.
Previously, Wynne Evans, aged 53, faced allegations of inappropriate conduct and had to issue an apology following his use of an offensive sexual joke during a public gathering. However, he disputed that it was a sexually suggestive comment. Subsequently, the BBC terminated his employment due to this incident.
2023 saw Amanda Abbington, aged 51, voicing her concerns over Giovanni Pernice, who is 34, for allegedly being excessive, harsh, unkind, and rude.
Although most accusations against him were dismissed, an investigation did validate some of her claims regarding verbal abuse and harassment.
In the very same year, I found myself deeply affected, much like Zara McDermott at age 28, after an encounter in a training room with Graziano Di Prima, then 31. This gentleman confessed to a regrettable act of kicking a documentary maker, which subsequently led to his dismissal from the project.
The broadcaster has initiated an investigation into the family program following allegations that two of its actors may have consumed cocaine.
Among those under investigation for drug-related issues, there were rumors that one of the actors was also suspected of consuming alcohol during filming, as the production team detected an alcoholic scent on them.
It is reported by The Sun that it’s common knowledge that an unidentified duo secretly consumed a powerful drug, and among those in the Strictly Come Dancing circle, one of them had a reputation for heavy drinking.
Now, it has been revealed by the publications that junior team members were tasked to monitor their colleagues during last year’s event and detect any possible instances of drinking alcohol during working hours.
According to a source close to the show, this individual has a reputation for enjoying social gatherings, which can pose significant challenges when it comes to performing their duties on ‘Strictly’ appropriately and safely, given their penchant for partying.
The focus isn’t solely on whether an action is lawful or unlawful; it’s also crucial to consider the BBC’s office guidelines and how particular employees’ actions might affect their coworkers.
On a highly energetic and complex program such as Strictly Come Dancing, where numerous stages and moving elements are involved, it’s completely inappropriate for anyone to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs in any manner.
An individual from the production team, who had been employed on the show for ten years up until 2023, recently spoke out about the alleged extravagant off-camera events at Strictly, claiming these parties were fueled by excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs.
He shared with The Sun that the primary socializing occurs at Elstree following the live show’s filming. Drinking and drug use often continue until 3 am, occasionally extending to 4 am. The smoking area outside is bustling with activity. It’s reported that cocaine consumption takes place there.
Instead, he asserted that drug usage was prevalent on the program to such an extent that when he discovered a questionable pile of white powder, a nonchalant senior producer instructed him to simply “put it on my desk.” This occurrence didn’t even elicit a raised eyebrow.
The employee additionally mentioned that the annual special episode filmed at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom was a particularly boisterous and rowdy night, filled with exuberant festivities.
At an after-show gathering, a celebrity offered me cocaine. Many attendees left for the hotel afterwards. The party was exclusive, only for the cast and crew. It continued until 5 am, sometimes even till 6 am; it was absolutely wild. People were clearly energized, as their eyes revealed.
A representative from the BBC stated to Daily Mail that we have established procedures and guidelines for addressing significant complaints made towards us. We consistently advocate for individuals to voice their worries to us. Furthermore, it wouldn’t be fitting for us to provide additional comments on the matter.
As a die-hard enthusiast of Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve heard whispers that the higher-ups at the BBC are planning to provide some expert assistance to two of my beloved stars, following claims they might have indulged in some illicit substance use during the show.
It emerged that the broadcaster enlisted a legal team to investigate claims of drug usage by two people associated with the show, who are rumored to have a history of substance abuse.
According to reports, the statements were allegedly presented to the BBC by law firm Russells, regarding former contestant Wynne Evans, as early as March.
According to a source, the BBC is treating the accusations with great importance. The leadership is cognizant of the two involved personalities, and it is their responsibility to ensure their well-being.
According to BBC policy, specialized professional help may be made available if needed.
As a lifestyle expert, I want to share some exciting news with you all. Although we won’t be conducting drug tests during our primary event this year, our management team is contemplating introducing random screenings as part of the tour schedule next year. Stay tuned for more updates!
The BBC should verify there’s no illegality involved. The outcome of the investigation will determine this.
In other troubling incidents for the BBC, it has been announced that Gregg Wallace was let go from MasterChef after over 40 allegations made against him were confirmed during an internal investigation by the BBC.
During a similar period, John Torode, another actor, was let go following accusations that he had employed the racially offensive term “N-word.” However, he maintains he has no memory of this incident.
More recently, there have been reports suggesting that Naga Munchetty might be under scrutiny by the higher-ups at the BBC due to allegations of bullying towards a junior coworker.
According to The Sun, the BBC Breakfast host who is 50 years old is currently under review by superiors as they contemplate stepping up ongoing complaints to a full-fledged investigation.
According to a source, upper management received complaints about her harsh and intimidating conduct on the morning program, as well as her Radio 5 Live broadcast, from multiple colleagues.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- Best Hero Card Decks in Clash Royale
- Clash Royale Witch Evolution best decks guide
- Clash Royale December 2025: Events, Challenges, Tournaments, and Rewards
- Ireland, Spain and more countries withdraw from Eurovision Song Contest 2026
- Best Arena 9 Decks in Clast Royale
- Clash of Clans Meltdown Mayhem December 2025 Event: Overview, Rewards, and more
- JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Ora Ora Overdrive unites iconic characters in a sim RPG, launching on mobile this fall
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Beast Raid ‘Key to the Heart’ Guide and Tips
- Best Builds for Undertaker in Elden Ring Nightreign Forsaken Hollows
2025-09-11 01:06