Police probing Strictly weeks before 2025 series after 'drug scandal'

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they are investigating a drug allegation related to the BBC's hit programme, Strictly Come Dancing. This comes after fresh reports that external lawyers Pinsent Masons began an inquiry into the dance competition, just days after its 14th celebrity contestant was confirmed. They previously launched an inquiry into the show after claims that two of its stars had used the Class A drug, cocaine. This is the latest in a long list of controversies the show has faced in the past few years.

According to The Sun, a Met spokesperson stated: "On Tuesday, 12 August, the Metropolitan Police received an allegation about drug-related offences. Police are assessing the information, and further enquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed. We won't be commenting further at this time." This comes just weeks after it was reportedly "well known" that two Strictly stars indulged in drugs, including cocaine.

It was alleged that a Strictly personality mentioned that one of the stars was "off their face ... have you seen the pupils in their eyes?"

The Metropolitan Police have yet to confirm the nature and detail of the allegations they were investigating nor the names of the stars involved.

A source told the publication: "It's a significant new development in the BBC's recent string of crises that they have now got the police involved in investigating allegations surrounding Strictly. This is a very dramatic turn of events.

"Despite all the show and its team have been through over recent months, it's hugely controversial that you've now got Scotland Yard detectives probing Strictly.

"This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it's not a good look for the BBC." the insider added.

When the previous probe was launched, a BBC spokesperson told the Daily Express: "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."

Strictly is set to return to screens in just a few weeks as the 23rd series launches, and the 2025 lineup has been confirmed.

Renowned DJ and Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn was the 15th and final star to be confirmed in the star-studded line-up

The likes of Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Love Island's Dani Dyer, actress Alex Kingston, footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, soap star Balvinder Sopal and TikTok star George Clarke will also make their debut on the dancefloor.