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Strictly could be facing a new scandal

Strictly Come Dancing has been hit with many scandals in recent years, yet the latest could result in “an absolute PR crisis”. The hit BBC dance competition has tried to brush off bullying claims, an alleged drugs scandal and the show’s ‘curse’.

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Things had seemingly been going to plan this year until hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their shock exit at the end of the series. However, a new alleged scandal has come to light and could “rock the very foundations of Strictly” if a video were to emerge.

Reports have claimed the release of the clip could implode a long-standing marriage and cast a shadow over the show. A 12-second clip allegedly shows a married former Strictly contestant kissing his female professional dancer.

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The show has faced scandals in recent years(Image: PA)

It’s claimed that the video was filmed backstage at Elstree Studios by a member of production who saw the pair passionately snogging in a dressing room. It has been claimed that the kiss happened on a previous series but has “been the talk of Strictly”.

“The video itself shows the famous married family man passionately kissing his female dance pro,” a source told the Sun. “She is sitting on his knee, and he has his hand on her back before leaning in for a kiss.

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“The kiss only lasts a few seconds, but it would more than likely end his marriage and destroy his carefully cultivated family man image.” They claimed the video has been shared on WhatsApp and people have been “slightly sickened” by the act as they “always knocked down scurrilous romance rumours.”

The source added that if the clip was shared publicly, it would be a crisis for the two stars and the BBC. Staff on the show reportedly met the man’s wife, and described her as “absolutely adorable; such a kind woman.”

It wouldn’t be the first time the family-friendly BBC show has faced scandal in recent years. Ahead of this year’s launch, many feared for the show’s future.

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There have been multiple reports of misconduct allegations over the past few seasons of Strictly, resulting in axings. Back in 2023, professional dancer Giovanni Pernice received the boot following claims made by his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington.

Amanda made allegations of “bullying” and “aggressive behaviour,” but Giovanni has always denied “abusive or threatening behaviour”. Some complaints against him were upheld, but he was cleared of the most serious ones in a probe that lasted months.

In the same series, dancer Graziano Di Prima was axed over claims of misconduct towards partner Zara McDermott during training. He was sacked by BBC bosses amid claims he “hit, spat at and kicked” his celebrity dance partner.

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This year, Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans got kicked off the UK tour after being accused of making inappropriate remarks. The 2024 celebrity contestant was filmed making a controversial “spit roast” comment during the Strictly live tour.

Although Evans later said the term referred to fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick and not presenter Janette Manrara, as was reported at the time, he claimed he was forced to apologise and has since parted ways with BBC Radio Wales.

Over the summer, there were reports the BBC had called in the police after lawyers began an inquiry into claims two of its stars had used cocaine. A BBC spokesperson said at the time: “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.