Cliff Notes – BBC launches probe into Strictly cocaine use following drug abuse allegations
- The BBC is investigating allegations of cocaine use by two stars of Strictly Come Dancing, following claims made by former contestant Wynne Evans in March.
- An external law firm, Pinsent Masons, has been engaged to conduct the enquiry, allowing former contestants, cast, and crew to voice their concerns.
- This investigation comes on the heels of a previous probe into bullying allegations involving professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, highlighting ongoing issues within the show’s environment.
BBC launches probe into Strictly cocaine use following drug abuse allegations
BBC bosses are reportedly investigating claims of drug use pertaining to two Strictly stars (Picture: PA)
The BBC has reportedly launched a probe to investigate claims of cocaine use by two stars of Strictly Come Dancing.
According to The Sun, a celebrity has alleged that it was ‘well known on the show that two stars took cocaine.’
In response to the allegations, BBC bosses are said to have launched an enquiry using external lawyers.
The claims were reportedly made in March by law firm Russells, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans.
According to the tabloid, other sources have also reported allegations of drug use to the BBC.
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A BBC spokesperson told the publication: ‘We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.’
Former contestant Wynne Evans is believed to reported his concerns in March this year (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
Of the claims, the BBC’s spokesperson continued: ‘We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns.
‘It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.’
As a part of the probe, former contestants, cast and crew alike will all be given the opportunity to speak to law firm Pinsent Masons about their concerns.
The BBC has hired external lawyers to investigate the claims (Picture: BBC)
This comes as a celebrity source told The Sun that it is ‘well known on the show that two stars took cocaine . . . it was talked about widely among the cast.’
Meanwhile, one Strictly star allegedly described another person on the show as being ‘off their face.’
The Sun has not mentioned the stars who have been accused of taking cocaine.
The broadcaster recently wrapped up its investigation into allegations of bullying involving professional dancer Giovanni Pernice (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
This comes at a fraught time for the BBC – and less than a year after its investigation into allegations of bullying on the Strictly set concluded.
A probe was launched into claims of misconduct by professional Giovanni Pernice, who was forced to step down amid claims that he had bullied actress Amanda Abbington during their rehearsals together.
After months of investigating, the BBC upheld two moments of ‘inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace’
The investigation uncovered no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, according to the PA news agency.
Opera singer Wynne Evans found himself at the centre of controversy following last year’s series (Picture: Shutterstock)
More recently, the BBC dropped former Strictly contestant Wynne Evans from his BBC Wales rolling contract after a series of controversies.
The singer and professional dance partner Katya Jones sparked furore when she appeared to move his hand from her waist – which he said was ‘just a body language experiment that was picked up on’.
The pair maintained that this was a ‘silly joke’ which had simply misfired, but the opera singer was struck with more controversy when reports emerged that he’d made an ‘unacceptable joke’ about Strictly Live host Janette Manrara.
Evans subsequently apologised, describing himself as ‘deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate action caused’ and would take a break from the public eye for ‘self-reflection’ and to ‘prioritise my wellbeing’.
The BBC later decided not to renew his one-year rolling BBC Radio contract following the conclusion of a four-month investigation.
Metro.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment on this story.
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