‘BBC launch probe into cocaine use by two Strictly stars’

Strictly Come Dancing is facing a fresh crisis as it’s been reported that the BBC have launched an investigation into cocaine use by two stars of the show. 

According to The Sun, the broadcaster hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals, whose drug use is said to be ‘well-known’ on the show.

The claims were reportedly made in a legal submission to the BBC by law firm Russells back in March, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans. 

The publication also understands other people have also reported the allegations of drug taking on the dance show to the BBC.

Amid the independent inquiry, it is said ‘former contestants, dancers and crew’ alike will have the opportunity to speak with law firm Pinsent Masons to express concerns.

A source told The Sun: ‘These claims are extremely serious and should be taken as such, given only last year that the BBC’s Director-General promised to clean up Strictly, it seems particularly shocking.

‘The idea of the show’s stars discussing drug-taking is deeply disturbing, the BBC have known about these allegations for some time, and acknowledged receiving them.

‘Now they are taking firm action, they’ve been told that it’s well-known that two stars took drugs, including cocaine, which was talked about widely among the cast.’

The insider said the BBC understands that one star described another as ‘off their face’ on drugs, with that person telling one celebrity: ‘Have you seen their pupils… they’re off their face.’

Another celebrity is also said to have told how it was ‘well-known’ that two of the stars took cocaine, adding that it was ‘talked about widely’ among the cast.

The individuals at the centre of the drug allegations have not been named.

Daily Mail contacted BBC representatives for comment, with a spokesperson stating: ‘We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. 

‘We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.’

Daily Mail understands that it is not unusual for the BBC to engage an external individual to provide additional expert resource to help deliver a BBC led investigation. In these cases, they would report into an established BBC team. 

The shock allegations come just amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so.

In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing ‘personal reasons’, actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of ‘unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour’ during their time dancing together on Strictly.

Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld.

When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni’s behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment. 

Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was ‘pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour’.

Elsewhere, the show was plunged into crisis after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January. 

He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a ‘wandering hand’ incident with dance partner Katya Jones, who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show.

After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show.

The TV star confirmed in May that they will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation after the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly. 

Elsewhere, in further scandals for the BBC, Gregg Wallace was recently dismissed from MasterChef after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation. 

While his co-star John Torode was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have ‘absolutely no recollection’ of. 

In further controversy, it’s recently been reported that Naga Munchetty could face an investigation from BBC bosses after she was accused of bullying a junior colleague. 

The BBC Breakfast host, 50, has been placed ‘under review’ while bosses consider escalating complaints to a formal investigation, The Sun reports. 

A source said higher-ups had heard from several colleagues and logged concerns over her ‘hard’ and ‘bullying’ behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as her Radio 5 Live show.