THE BBC is in a tailspin over the future of Strictly Come Dancing in the wake of its latest crisis.
The Sun yesterday told how an alleged rape by one of the show’s stars had taken place after a BBC event and the suspect had been arrested.
The scandal has left the BBC divided, with some senior bosses at the BBC adamant the show must go on.
Others however, are said to be considering pausing Strictly in 2026, allowing chiefs to bolster safeguarding measures and revitalise the format.
An insider at BBC Broadcasting House told The Sun that many felt Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure offered producers an out.
They said: “It’s frankly beyond embarrassing. The feeling among many is we limp through the rest of the series, try and give Tess and Claudia a proper send off then use the new hosts as a credible reason to reset.
“The rot runs so deep this needs a proper fix.
“The feeling at Broadcasting House is to take the new chapter as an excuse to do that.”
Long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced on October 23 they were leaving — ten days after the latest arrest.
The suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested last month in relation to an alleged incident from 2024.
The woman who claims she was assaulted was not a contestant or pro dancer on the Bafta-winning show.
The pair had met as a result of the star’s participation in the flagship contest.
Hertfordshire Police on Thursday confirmed the arrest, and said that inquiries are continuing.
Strictly Come Dancing has been commissioned for 2026 and a source told The Sun they believed the BBC would stick to its guns.
The alleged rape comes less than three months after another Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape and a separate alleged offence of “intimate image abuse”.
A source told The Sun: “This is an absolute nightmare for the BBC – a heartbreaking situation.
“Bosses have done their utmost to steady the ship and make the show as scandal-free as possible, and yet now this has happened.
“The BBC is taking this very seriously and will absolutely offer support to all concerned.”
In August, the BBC launched an investigation into alleged Class A drug use by two of the show’s stars.
We then revealed a male Strictly star had been arrested on August 22 for rape which is separate to the latest allegations.
The suspect was also questioned by police over allegations involving “non-consensual intimate image abuse”.
Other recent scandals to beset Strictly include a bullying probe last year into pro Giovanni Pernice.
FLAGSHIP CONTEST BESET BY SCANDAL
NOV 2018: Actor Danny John-Jules accused of bullying his pro partner Amy Dowden, which he denies.
SEPT 2023: Amanda Abbington threatens to quit Strictly after rows with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
MARCH 2024: The actress hires top legal firm Carter-Ruck and meets with Giovanni’s ex-dance partners to discuss their “difficult experiences”.
MAY 2024: The Sun reveals Giovanni has sensationally quit Strictly. Insiders confirm the BBC has launched a probe.
JULY 2024: The Sun reveals Graziano Di Prima is sacked for gross misconduct after it emerged he kicked dance partner Zara McDermott in training.
AUGUST 2024: We also reveal that Giovanni is on the brink of being totally cleared before a last-ditch disclosure from Amanda plunges probe into chaos.
SEPT 2024: We reveal that the BBC probe upholds six of 17 complaints against Giovanni while BBC issues an apology to Amanda.
JANUARY 2025: Go Compare star Wynne Evans is axed from the Strictly Live tour after using the term “spitroast” at a photocall.
APRIL 2025: Evans submits dossier of evidence into inquiry over his behaviour on the show.
AUGUST 3, 2025: The BBC hires a new law firm to probe cocaine abuse allegations on Strictly.
AUGUST 17, 2025: The Met Police confirms it is investigating drug claims.
AUGUST 24, 2025: The Sun on Sunday reveals that an unnamed Strictly star has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
OCTOBER 2025: Long- running hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announce they are leaving.
