The BBC has stated that the brand new sequence of Strictly Come Dancing will proceed as regular regardless of certainly one of its stars being arrested on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate picture abuse

BBC bosses are adamant that the most recent Strictly Come Dancing sequence will proceed with out disruption, regardless of certainly one of its personalities being detained on rape allegations.

The unnamed male particular person, who can’t be recognized for authorized causes, can also be dealing with questioning over claims of “non-consensual intimate picture abuse”.

The BBC confirmed to the Mirror that police enquiries are ongoing. Nevertheless, company sources preserve the accusations do not concern anybody concerned on this yr’s programme, which means they’re assured the dancing competitors, together with rehearsals, can proceed uninterrupted.

This contemporary Metropolitan Police probe comes after a BBC-initiated investigation into drug misuse allegations involving present personalities, experiences the Mirror.

A Met spokesperson confirmed: “On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a person on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate picture abuse.

“We urge anybody with any info to return ahead to us. The arrest follows a 3rd celebration ­allegation of sexual and drug-related offences.”

Specialist officers are offering assist to the alleged sufferer.

This surprising flip of occasions represents one of the severe scandals to hit the BBC since presenter Huw Edwards escaped imprisonment final yr for possessing ­indecent photographs of youngsters.

A BBC consultant advised the Mirror: “It could not be acceptable to touch upon an ongoing police investigation.”

An insider on the broadcaster emphasised there is no indication the allegation connects to the present Strictly manufacturing, with coaching already underway.

They concluded: “We predict the brand new sequence will proceed as regular.”

Strictly has been hit by a sequence of latest controversies. Final yr, dancer Giovanni Pernice left the present after allegations of bullying his 2023 associate Amanda Abbington.

Whereas some complaints in opposition to him have been upheld, he was cleared of probably the most severe accusations. Dancer Graziano Di Prima was additionally dismissed following allegations of misconduct in the direction of his associate Zara McDermott.

Moreover, opera singer Wynne Evans exited the present’s tour after being accused of creating inappropriate feedback.