A male star, who is not taking part in the 2025 series, has been arrested (Image: BBC)

BBC bosses are adamant that the latest Strictly Come Dancing series will proceed as planned after a male star was arrested by police on suspicion of r@pe. The individual, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is also facing questioning over claims involving “non-consensual intimate image abuse”.

The BBC has reportedly confirmed that a police investigation remains ongoing. However, sources close to the broadcasters maintain that the accusations do not concern anyone involved in this year’s programme, meaning that they remain confident the dance competition, including rehearsal sessions, can proceed as normal. A BBC insider revealed there is nothing to indicate the allegation relates to the current Strictly production. They confirmed: “We think the new series will continue as normal.”

A source close to the BBC said that the new series can continue as normal (Image: Getty)

The fresh Met Police probe comes after a BBC-led investigation into allegations of drug misuse by programme personalities, reports the Mirror.

A Met spokesperson confirmed: “On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of r@pe and non-consensual intimate image abuse.

“We urge anyone with any information to come forward to us. The arrest follows a third-party ­allegation of sexual and drug-related offences.” The alleged victim is receiving support from specialist officers.

The arrest comes a year after BBC newsreader Huw Edwards avoided a custodial sentence for possessing ­indecent images of children.

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A BBC representative told the press: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”

Last year, dancer Giovanni Pernice also left the show after allegations of bullying his 2023 partner, Amanda Abbington. While some complaints against him were upheld, he was cleared of the most serious accusations.

Dancer Graziano Di Prima was also dismissed following allegations of misconduct towards his partner, Zara McDermott. Additionally, opera singer Wynne Evans exited the show’s tour after being accused of making inappropriate comments.

Express.co.uk have contacted the BBC for comment.

Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer are regular hosts of Sunday Brunch but the former was absent from the Channel 4 programme. Former BBC Breakfast star Steph McGovern joined Simon Rimmer on daytime show. The presenting duo welcomed their panel of guests including Al Murray, Robert Sean Leonard, Sandra Yi Sencindiver and Rudimental. The former host of Steph’s Packed Lunch host confessed she felt “a bit nervous” about filling Tim’s position. Her Sunday Brunch debut sparked a divide among fans as many viewers flocked to social media to say the same thing.

Viewers praised the former BBC presenter as one said: “This is so much more watchable with Steph.” Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley agreed: “ABSOLUTELY LOVING @StephLunch hosting on today’s @SundayBrunchC4 she’s amazing, natural, very funny, genuine, and basically it works more of this please @Channel4.”

Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy were replaced on Sunday Brunch (Image: CHANNEL 4)

A third gushed: “What a difference it is having the lovely Steph co-presenting this week. Bring her on more often. Great cheeky, playful vibes. @StephLunch #SundayBrunch.”

A fourth wrote: “#SundayBrunch Steph should be on every week.”

Others disagreed as one social media user complained: “#sundaybrunch Never thought I’d say it, but bring back Tim…”

Another blasted: “Not enjoyable to watch.”

Steph McGovern replaced Sunday Brunch host Tim Lovejoy (Image: CHANNEL 4)

Steph fronted BBC Breakfast from 2011 before moving to Channel 4 to present her own show in 2019.

Steph’s Packed Lunch was cancelled in December 2023 when Channel 4 confirmed its axing.

She expressed at the time: “I’m not going to waffle on because I can’t say anything emotional without doing that ugly crying. But thank you for watching, thank you for everyone who’s been on the show.

“I’ve loved it, and I am glad you have to. That is all from us here in Leeds. Look after yourselves, and goodbye!”