How is BBC handling Strictly Come Dancing's latest controversy? Former star's arrest on rape suspicion explained

The BBC is planning to proceed with the current season after the news of a Strictly Come Dancing male star's arrest came out. The male star was arrested on suspicion of rape, as well as "non-consensual intimate image abuse". The name of the male star is not made public for legal reasons. However, sources claim that it is a former contestant.

At the same time, the BBC confirmed that the police investigation is still ongoing, and the show will proceed as planned. In their words:

"We think the new series will continue as normal."

According to the Mirror, the Metropolitan Police conducted their own investigation after the BBC's investigation uncovered allegations about drug misuse by certain personalities on the show. As for the current investigation, the BBC spokesperson said:

"It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation."

What did the Met Police have to say about the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing controversy?

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police revealed:

"On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse."

They urged the public to come forward if they had any information related to the investigation. As mentioned in their statement:

"We urge anyone with any information to come forward to us. The arrest follows a third-party ­allegation of sexual and drug-related offences."

As for the alleged victim, they are receiving help and assistance from specialist officers.

Previous controversies related to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing

This is not the first time Strictly Come Dancing or the BBC has been under legal scrutiny. A year ago, BBC newsreader Huw Edwards was found guilty of having indecent images of children, but did not receive a jail sentence.

As for previous contestants on Strictly Come Dancing, two years ago, Giovanni Pernice left due to bullying allegations. He was accused of bullying Amanda Abbington, his partner, but he cleared the majority of the serious accusations.

Another dancer, Graziano Di Prima, was released from the show after he was accused of misconduct against his partner, Zara McDermott.

Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans also left the show after he was accused of making inappropriate comments.

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The BBC has confirmed that Strictly Come Dancing will continue as planned despite a former contestant's arrest on serious charges, including rape and image abuse. Police investigations are ongoing, and the alleged victim is receiving support from specialist officers.

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