BBC deliver verdict on future of show as star is arr3sted on suspicion of r%pe

BBC insiders insist that the new Strictly Come Dancing series will continue as ­normal despite one of its stars being arr3sted on suspicion of r%pe.

The male suspect, who has not been named for legal reasons, is also being questioned over allegations involving “non-consensual intimate image abuse”. The BBC told the Mirror that a police investigation is continuing.

But sources at the corporation also insist the allegations do not involve anyone on this year’s series so they are confident the dance show, including training sessions, can carry on.

The new Met Police investigation follows a BBC-led inquiry into claims of drug abuse by stars on the show.

A Met spokesman said: “On Friday, August 22, officers arr3sted 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 arr3st follows a third party ­allegation of sexual and drug-related offences.”

The alleged r%pe victim is being supported by specialist officers. The dramatic development is one of the biggest crises to be faced by the BBC since newsreader Huw Edwards dodged jail last year for possessing ­indecent images of children.

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

A BBC source said there is nothing to suggest the allegation is related to the current production of Strictly, for which training has started.They added: “We think the new series will continue as normal.”

Strictly has faced a string of recent storms. Last year dancer Giovanni Pernice quit after being accused of bullying 2023 partner Amanda Abbington. Some complaints against him were upheld but he was cleared of the most serious ones.

Dancer Graziano Di Prima was also removed over claims of misconduct towards partner Zara McDermott.

And opera singer Wynne Evans left the show’s tour after being accused of making inappropriate remarks.