Overview

• A former ten-year production crew member alleges a Strictly star offered him cocaine at a closed after-party in Blackpool and that bags of white powder suspected to be cocaine were found twice at Elstree studios.
• The whistleblower describes on-site partying extending until 3am or 4am, with participants reportedly drinking and taking drugs after live show tapings.
• The BBC has retained law firm Pinsent Masons to lead its external investigation, which is now actively interviewing former contestants, professional dancers and crew.
• A BBC spokesperson reaffirmed that the corporation maintains clear protocols for handling serious complaints and actively encourages anyone with concerns to come forward.
• While no drug testing is planned for the televised series, executives are weighing the introduction of random drug checks for the forthcoming Strictly live tour as part of enhanced duty-of-care measures.