- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk
Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas has declared the show will continue ‘long after she’s gone,’ despite concerns for its future following a string of scandals.
It was revealed on Sunday that bosses have been left in a ‘panic’ after the news that a former star was arrested on suspicion of raping a woman following a BBC event.
The scandal was the latest to hit the Bafta-winning programme, coming just three months after another unnamed male star was arrested on suspicion of rape.
But Shirley has declared that she has no concerns that Strictly will remain on screens for many years to come.
The dancer added that ‘no one is bigger’ than the beloved show, noting similar doubts that surrounded Strictly when she replaced Len Goodman as head judge in 2017.
Shirley said: ‘Nobody is bigger than Strictly Come Dancing. Not me, not any presenters, not any dancers — that show belongs to the people.
She went on to tell The Sun On Sunday: ‘When I came on the show in 2017, nobody knew me and it was, ‘Oh will it fail? Will it be this? Will it be that?’
‘It carried on ticking and it’ll carry on ticking long after I’m gone and kicked my clogs.’
It comes as The Mail On Sunday revealed whether there is any truth to rumours that Strictly could face the axe following its recent scandals. You can read Katie Hind’s full report here.
On Thursday it was revealed that a Strictly Come Dancing star had been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman following a BBC event.
The man, who is not being named, was arrested last month.
The alleged victim was not a contestant or dancer but the pair met because of the man’s involvement in the BBC show.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed a man had been arrested, adding that inquiries were ongoing.
The scandal is the latest to hit the Bafta-winning programme, coming just three months after another unnamed male star was arrested on suspicion of rape.
In August, police said a man was arrested on suspicion of rape and for possessing ‘non-consensual intimate image abuse’.
The latest arrest ‘is an absolute nightmare for the BBC – a heartbreaking situation,’ an insider told The Sun.
‘Bosses have done their utmost to steady the ship and make the show as scandal-free as possible, and yet now this has happened,’ they said.
‘The BBC is taking this very seriously and will absolutely offer support to all concerned.’
Strictly has been plagued by a string of drug and bullying controversies in recent years.
During the last series, Wynne Evans was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event. He denied it was a sexual remark but was later sacked by the BBC.
And in 2023, Amanda Abbington complained about Giovanni Pernice being ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’.
Whilst he was cleared of the ‘overwhelming majority’ of allegations, a probe did uphold some of her complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
The same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott was left ‘incredibly distressed’ following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing.
The broadcaster has already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelled alcohol on their breath.
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was also axed from the BBC soap after 19 years when a video emerged of him using a slur against disabled people on the set of Strictly.
The dance show was forced to bring in chaperones to watch over training sessions under the corporation’s duty of care plans ahead of the 2024 series.
The measures also included a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers.
A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer were also introduced.
Meanwhile, long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that they were leaving Strictly just days after the latest arrest, which took place on October 13.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.’
A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said: ‘The allegations relate to an incident which happened in Hertfordshire.
‘Meanwhile inquiries by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Public Protection team will continue.
‘Given the nature of the allegations, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.’
