A male star, who is not taking part in the 2025 series, has been arrested (Image: BBC)
BBC bosses are adamant that the latest Strictly Come Dancing series will proceed as planned after a male star was arrested by police on suspicion of r@pe. The individual, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is also facing questioning over claims involving “non-consensual intimate image abuse”.
The BBC has reportedly confirmed that a police investigation remains ongoing. However, sources close to the broadcasters maintain that the accusations do not concern anyone involved in this year’s programme, meaning that they remain confident the dance competition, including rehearsal sessions, can proceed as normal. A BBC insider revealed there is nothing to indicate the allegation relates to the current Strictly production. They confirmed: “We think the new series will continue as normal.”
A source close to the BBC said that the new series can continue as normal (Image: Getty)
The fresh Met Police probe comes after a BBC-led investigation into allegations of drug misuse by programme personalities, reports the Mirror.
A Met spokesperson confirmed: “On Friday, August 22, officers arrested 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 arrest follows a third-party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences.” The alleged victim is receiving support from specialist officers.
The arrest comes a year after BBC newsreader Huw Edwards avoided a custodial sentence for possessing indecent images of children.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info.
A BBC representative told the press: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
Last year, dancer Giovanni Pernice also left the show after allegations of bullying his 2023 partner, Amanda Abbington. While some complaints against him were upheld, he was cleared of the most serious accusations.
Dancer Graziano Di Prima was also dismissed following allegations of misconduct towards his partner, Zara McDermott. Additionally, opera singer Wynne Evans exited the show’s tour after being accused of making inappropriate comments.
Express.co.uk have contacted the BBC for comment.
Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer are regular hosts of Sunday Brunch but the former was absent from the Channel 4 programme. Former BBC Breakfast star Steph McGovern joined Simon Rimmer on daytime show. The presenting duo welcomed their panel of guests including Al Murray, Robert Sean Leonard, Sandra Yi Sencindiver and Rudimental. The former host of Steph’s Packed Lunch host confessed she felt “a bit nervous” about filling Tim’s position. Her Sunday Brunch debut sparked a divide among fans as many viewers flocked to social media to say the same thing.
Viewers praised the former BBC presenter as one said: “This is so much more watchable with Steph.” Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley agreed: “ABSOLUTELY LOVING @StephLunch hosting on today’s @SundayBrunchC4 she’s amazing, natural, very funny, genuine, and basically it works more of this please @Channel4.”
Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy were replaced on Sunday Brunch (Image: CHANNEL 4)
A third gushed: “What a difference it is having the lovely Steph co-presenting this week. Bring her on more often. Great cheeky, playful vibes. @StephLunch #SundayBrunch.”
A fourth wrote: “#SundayBrunch Steph should be on every week.”
Others disagreed as one social media user complained: “#sundaybrunch Never thought I’d say it, but bring back Tim…”
Another blasted: “Not enjoyable to watch.”
Steph McGovern replaced Sunday Brunch host Tim Lovejoy (Image: CHANNEL 4)
Steph fronted BBC Breakfast from 2011 before moving to Channel 4 to present her own show in 2019.
Steph’s Packed Lunch was cancelled in December 2023 when Channel 4 confirmed its axing.
She expressed at the time: “I’m not going to waffle on because I can’t say anything emotional without doing that ugly crying. But thank you for watching, thank you for everyone who’s been on the show.
“I’ve loved it, and I am glad you have to. That is all from us here in Leeds. Look after yourselves, and goodbye!”
News
EMERGENCY: THE DARKEST SECRETS OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE ABOUT TO BE UNLEASHED! The silence is finally SHATTERED! As the explosive hearings for Rupert Lowe’s “Rape Gang Inquiry” kick off in London, a terrifying truth is emerging. For years, the screams of victims were ignored, and the truth was buried deep within expensive, hidden court files. But now, the curtain is being ripped wide open, and some very powerful people are SHAKING! Why has the truth been kept behind a “paywall” for so long? Why were public authorities allowed to turn a blind eye while innocent lives were destroyed? Rupert Lowe is making a move that the establishment DREADS: he’s demanding that EVERY court transcript be made FREE for the public! Is the system hiding evidence of its own massive failures? This isn’t just an inquiry; it’s a war for justice that the “Über Elite” never wanted you to join. THEY CAN NO LONGER HIDE. Sign the urgent petition and click the link below to see the chilling testimonies they tried to suppress for decades!
EMERGENCY: THE DARKEST SECRETS OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE ABOUT TO BE UNLEASHED! Hearings Begin for Rupert Lowe’s “Rape Gang Inquiry” in London as Public Petition Gains…
JUST WANT TO LIVE…” — Bob Mortimer Has Moved Fans To Tears With A Raw, Quietly Brave Confession About Life After His Triple Heart Bypass, Admitting He’s Gently Defying Doctors’ Orders Because Fear Has Already Taken Enough From Him. Speaking With Heartbreaking Honesty, Bob Revealed The Nights Filled With Anxiety, The Moments He Cried Alone, And The Decision That Changed Everything: “I Realised I Didn’t Want To Survive — I Wanted To Live.” Rather Than Letting Worry Steal The Time He Has Left, He’s Choosing Joy, Laughter, And Meaning Wherever He Can Find It. Fans Say His Words Feel Less Like An Interview And More Like A Farewell Letter — Tender, Human, And Devastatingly Real — A Reminder That Even Comedy’s Brightest Souls Carry Quiet Battles The World Never Sees.
Bob Mortimer has made a brutally honest confession about life after his emergency triple heart bypass — and it’s left fans both shocked and strangely moved The 66-year-old comedian,…
Unraveled by Chaos: 41 Hotels Set Ablaze Amidst UK’s Explosive Anti-Migrant Riots—Is Britain’s Immigration Strategy Crumbling Under the Weight of Public Fury and Political Division? Discover the Unfolding Crisis Fueling Fear and Unrest Across the Nation!
Breaking news: In an unprecedented surge of violence across the UK, 41 hotels housing migrants have erupted in flames amid escalating anti-migrant riots. Chaotic clashes between masked…
Rupert Lowe has appealed for public support by promoting a parliamentary petition that seeks to remove fees for court and tribunal transcripts, arguing it is vital to uncover the full truth about grooming gang cases.
Hearings Begin for Rupert Lowe’s “Rape Gang Inquiry” in London as Public Petition Gains Momentum Hearings for the “Rape Gang Inquiry” launched by Great Yarmouth independent MP…
SAD NEWS — DAME ESTHER RANTZEN’S FAMILY SHARE EMOTIONAL UPDATE ON CANCER BATTLE
Esther Rantzen has issued a new health update, revealing that she was diagnosed with a second cancer. | AFP via Getty Images Dame Esther Rantzen has shared a…
“NO ONE SHOULD BE SLEEPING ON THE STREETS.” Bradley Walsh has reportedly given away every penny of his £2 million bonus and sponsorship earnings — not for publicity, not for praise, but to build 150 housing units and fund 300 emergency shelter beds for people with nowhere to go. Those close to him say the decision was made quietly, without cameras or announcements. “Bradley didn’t see it as charity,” one source revealed. “He saw it as responsibility.” At a time when most stars protect their wealth, Walsh’s gesture has stunned fans — not because of its size, but because of its sincerity. And as the first doors prepare to open, one line keeps echoing from those who know him best: “He just wanted people to come in from the cold.”
In a world where headlines are often dominated by scandals and controversies, television presenter and actor Bradley Walsh has shown us what true stardom really means —…
End of content
No more pages to load
