The BBC is understood to be in a tailspin over the future of Strictly Come Dancing following its latest crisis. The popular dancing show should be gearing up for another glitter-soaked finale - but instead, the BBC is wrestling with one of the darkest periods in the show's history. Senior figures are now reportedly locked in tense discussions about whether the format can continue untouched after yet another scandal exploded behind the scenes.
The corporation was rocked by allegations that a Strictly star had raped a woman after a BBC event. The suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested last month in connection with an alleged incident that occurred in 2024. The scandal has reportedly left senior BBC figures split. Some bosses are allegedly adamant the show must go on, while others are said to be considering pausing Strictly in 2026 to bolster safeguarding measures and revitalise the format.
An insider at the BBC told The Sun: "It's frankly beyond embarrassing. The feeling among many is we limp through the rest of the series". The source added that the new show hosts will be a "credible reason to reset."
They added: "The rot runs so deep that this needs a proper fix. The feeling at Broadcasting House is to take the new chapter as an excuse to do that."
Hertfordshire Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday and said that inquiries are continuing.
According to reports, the pair had met as a result of the star's participation in the flagship contest. A source told The Sun: "This is an absolute nightmare for the BBC - a heartbreaking situation.
"Bosses have done their utmost to steady the ship and make the show as scandal-free as possible, and yet now this has happened.
"The BBC is taking this very seriously and will absolutely offer support to all concerned."
Other recent scandals to hit the programme include a bullying probe last year and, in August, the BBC launched an investigation into alleged Class A drug use by two of the show's stars.
The alleged rape comes less than three months after another Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape.
A BBC spokesperson said: "It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation."
-
G20 leaders emphasize solidarity, equality, and sustainability
-
Tejas crash in Dubai: IAF mourns loss of wing commander Namansh Syal
-
Ranveer’s Goyard toiletry bag goes viral for its whopping price
-
Desi To Diva: Can Ruhi Singh Become Gen-Z’s Answer To Priyanka Chopra?
-
Chicago Christmas lightning tree event chaos as '300 riot' and seven teenagers shot
