Strictly Come Dancing. Image- Radio Times.
(The Post News)- Authorities have arrested a man linked to the popular television show Strictly Come Dancing on suspicion of rape.
The Metropolitan Police reported that they detained the individual, who has not been publicly named, on Friday. In addition to the rape allegation, officers are also investigating the man for a separate offense involving “non-consensual intimate image abuse.” After questioning him in connection with both matters, police released him on bail on Saturday, pending further inquiries.
While the suspect is believed to have a connection to the BBC’s long operating dance competition, the exact nature of his involvement with the programme remains unclear. It has not been confirmed whether he appeared on the show as a contestant, professional dancer, judge, or in another capacity.
A BBC spokesperson, responding to the news, told BBC News that it would be inappropriate for the broadcaster to comment on an active police investigation. The corporation has not released any further information about the individual in question or their role within the production.
Sources close to the show have indicated that this development is not connected to the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, which is currently in production and scheduled to premiere in a few weeks. Filming and preparations for the new season are continuing as planned.
As the investigation continues, both the BBC and the police have refrained from making additional statements, and no charges have been filed at this stage. The situation remains under review as detectives gather further evidence.
“This investigation is being conducted in collaboration with Hertfordshire Constabulary. Although it is still in the early stages, we strongly encourage anyone who may have information to contact us,” was added on the Met Statement.
The police have released the man on bail, with a return date set for late November.
Strictly Come Dancing, which has aired since 2004 and is primarily filmed at Elstree Studios, has faced several controversies in recent years involving the conduct of both professional dancers and celebrity participants.
In a separate matter, the BBC began an internal investigation earlier this month after receiving reports of alleged drug use involving two unnamed individuals associated with the show.
Also earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had launched their own investigation into the drug-related allegations surrounding the popular dance competition.
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