A ‘household name’ has been interviewed on suspicion of rape, with reports suggesting it’s become a ‘nightmare’ for the BBC
A male Strictly Come Dancing star has been interviewed by police on suspicion of rape. The unnamed suspect was also quizzed under caution over claims of “non-consensual intimate image abuse” relating to an alleged video, the Met Police has confirmed. He answered questions on February 17, following his arrest in East London on August 22 last year. The man was then been released on bail.
It is claimed the suspect is a household name, who cannot yet be identified for legal reasons. Police issued a statement, saying: “On Tuesday, 17 February, a man was interviewed under caution in connection with a report of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. This follows his arrest in East London on 22 August 2025. He was further bailed following the interview, and his bail will be extended while inquiries are ongoing.”
His arrest was a fresh blow for the controversy-hit BBC show. Strictly Come Dancing has been marred in scandal over the last few years, with drug use reportedly sparked a police investigation, it was revealed last year.
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Last night, a source told The Sun: “The star had to return to a police station for questioning, along with his solicitor. It shows that the police are taking it extremely seriously as they do with all allegations of this nature. Clearly, the wellbeing of the alleged victim is paramount, but this is also a nightmare for Strictly and the BBC.
Top figures at the Beeb and the show are keeping very close tabs on this and have asked to be kept informed of all developments. Although the case is not linked to the show, they are following it closely.”
A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: “It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
The much-loved dancing show has been hit claims of cocaine use by two show stars, with reports suggesting their substance use was an open secret on the show. It follows a rocky few controversial years of allegations of backstage bullying, misconduct claims and several stars being axed or suspended by the BBC over their behaviour.On August 9, a former BBC employee alleged that he was offered cocaine by a Strictly star. The unnamed man, who worked behind the scenes on the broadcaster’s dancing competition for a decade, claimed that he saw a number of its celebrity contestants ‘partying’ after filming was over and alleged that he saw stars ‘drinking and taking drugs’ at the time.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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