Strictly Come Dancing: BBC Launches Cocaine Use Investigation

The BBC has launched an investigation into allegations of cocaine use by two stars of the popular dancing competition, Strictly Come Dancing. The probe comes amid a series of crises that have shaken the show in recent years.

The corporation has appointed the law firm Pinsent Masons to investigate the claims, which first surfaced in The Sun. According to the report, the alleged drug use was “widely talked about” among the cast. One celebrity reportedly claimed it was “well known on the show that two stars took cocaine,” while another alleged a cast member remarked about another’s pupils, stating they were “off their face.”

The allegations were initially made in a legal submission to the BBC in March by the law firm Russells on behalf of Wynne Evans, a former contestant on the show. Evans was later dropped by the BBC after apologizing for using “inappropriate language” during the launch of the Strictly tour.

A BBC spokesperson stated, “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.” The BBC confirmed it is common practice to appoint external law firms to lead investigations, with findings reported back to an internal team.

String of Crises

This latest investigation follows a period of turmoil for Strictly Come Dancing. Last year, actress Amanda Abbington alleged she was subjected to “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying” by former Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice while a contestant in 2023. A subsequent BBC review found no evidence of physical aggression but upheld complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.

In response to the review, the BBC implemented new welfare measures, including the presence of chaperones during rehearsals and additional training for dancers and production staff.

Pernice, who denied “any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour,” welcomed the BBC’s conclusions. Abbington had previously left the show citing “personal reasons” before publicly alleging “inappropriate behaviour.” He did not participate in the most recent season of Strictly, instead joining the Italian equivalent, Ballando Con Le Stelle, which he went on to win.

Separately, Wynne Evans himself became a source of controversy. He was dropped by the BBC after making a comment deemed “inappropriate” during the Strictly tour launch. Evans subsequently accused the BBC of a “cover-up,” alleging that the HR department had “twisted facts” and created a false narrative surrounding his departure. He claimed the BBC issued a statement in his name that he had not approved.

Evans stated he had not approved the January statement issued by the BBC in which he apologized for making an “inappropriate and unacceptable” comment. A BBC spokesperson at the time said the apology “was fully approved by Wynne.”

Another incident involved EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, who was suspended after a video surfaced showing him using an ableist slur on the set of the show. He later apologized for the offense caused by his words and actions.

The Met Police are now also investigating the claims of drug use, according to a BBC News report from August 17, 2025. This development follows the BBC’s initial investigation launched earlier this month into the alleged drug use by two stars of the show.