A male Strictly Come Dancing star was arrested on Friday on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. The arrest follows a third-party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences, with enquiries ongoing.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Metropolitan Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary. The alleged victim is being supported by specialist officers as the investigation continues in its early stages.
A Met Police spokesman said: "On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. This is a joint investigation... and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us."
BBC confirms investigation
The BBC confirmed there is an ongoing police investigation but declined to comment further. A BBC spokesperson said: "It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation."
The male suspect has not been named for legal reasons. Police are also questioning him over allegations involving non-consensual intimate image abuse.
Fresh crisis for flagship show
The dramatic development represents one of the biggest crises to be faced by the BBC since newsreader Huw Edwards avoided jail last year for possessing indecent images of children, according to The Mirror. The arrest is separate from the upcoming series but adds to mounting pressure on the corporation's flagship entertainment programme.
The timing is particularly damaging as it occurs just weeks before the 2025 series returns to screens, reports the Daily Mail. The scandal threatens to overshadow what should be a celebratory period for the show's return.
Pattern of scandals
The arrest is separate from an ongoing BBC investigation into drug abuse allegations involving two other Strictly stars, the Daily Mail reports. This latest crisis follows a pattern of scandals including Giovanni Pernice bullying allegations, Graziano Di Prima physical abuse claims, and Wynne Evans inappropriate behaviour incidents.
Victims of sexual assault can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.
Sources used: "The Mirror", "GB News", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
