For more than two decades, Strictly Come Dancing has been a symbol of glittering escapism — a joyful Saturday-night ritual that brings families together across the UK. But as 2025 drew to a close, the sparkle dimmed. Behind the sequins and standing ovations, the BBC’s flagship entertainment show found itself facing one of the most serious crises in its history.
In November 2025, news broke that an unnamed individual associated with Strictly had been arrested on suspicion of rape. The arrest, which reportedly took place in London in October, related to an alleged incident from 2024 following a BBC event. Hertfordshire Police confirmed the individual was released on bail while investigations continued, stressing that the woman involved was neither a contestant nor a professional dancer on the programme. Due to legal restrictions, the individual’s identity has not been disclosed.
The BBC responded cautiously, issuing a brief statement: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.” While the corporation emphasised that the incident was not connected to the current series, the revelation sent shockwaves through Broadcasting House — particularly as it followed a strikingly similar case just months earlier.
In August 2025, another unnamed man linked to Strictly had been arrested on suspicion of rape, alongside allegations of non-consensual image abuse and drug-related offences. That investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police, was also said to be unrelated to the live production. Still, the proximity of the cases raised troubling questions about safeguarding and culture within the wider Strictly orbit.
Behind the scenes, tensions reportedly ran high. Sources described emergency meetings, heated debates, and a growing sense of exhaustion. “It’s beyond embarrassing,” one insider claimed. “People genuinely feel like we’re limping to the finish.” Another called the situation “heartbreaking,” particularly after months of effort to introduce stricter welfare policies following earlier controversies.
The timing could hardly have been worse. Midway through the show’s 23rd series, long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would step away after the final, passing on what they dubbed “the very sparkly baton.” Their departure, coupled with the arrests, sparked intense speculation about whether the BBC might pause Strictly altogether in 2026 to regroup and rebuild trust.
Executives were reportedly divided. Some argued that halting the show — a cornerstone of BBC entertainment and a major contributor to licence fee value — would be disastrous. Others insisted that repeated controversies pointed to deeper issues that required a full reset, including enhanced safeguarding, welfare oversight, and cultural reform. “You can’t keep dancing around the problem,” one source allegedly warned.
Strictly has already endured growing scrutiny in recent years. The 2024 series was marred by misconduct allegations involving professional dancers, prompting departures, an independent review, and the introduction of welfare producers and mandatory training. In 2025, further investigations followed reports of alleged drug use among cast members and inappropriate behaviour during the live tour — compounding the sense of an institution under strain.
Despite the mounting pressure, the BBC remained publicly resolute. By late November, insiders confirmed the show had already been commissioned for 2026. “It’s in the schedule,” one source said. “There’s no plan to cancel it.” The corporation reiterated that safeguarding now sits “at the heart of all BBC productions.”
As the 23rd series wrapped in December, attention turned to the upcoming live arena tour — a lucrative and highly anticipated event launching in Birmingham in January 2026. Featuring returning judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, alongside celebrity contestants and surprise guest appearances, the tour promised a return to spectacle and celebration.
Yet the shadow of recent events remains. While loyal fans continue to defend the show’s legacy and the joy it brings, critics and advocacy groups have called for greater transparency and stronger protections. Their message is clear: allegations of sexual violence must be treated with gravity, regardless of fame or format.
As Strictly Come Dancing prepares for its next chapter, it stands at a crossroads. Once considered untouchable, the programme now faces the challenge of restoring trust while preserving the magic that made it a national treasure. Whether it can truly dance its way out of darkness remains to be seen — but for now, the music plays on, and all eyes remain fixed on the ballroom.
