An unnamed Strictly Come Dancing star has been arrested on suspicion of rape, according to reports.
It’s been reported that the man – who has been left unnamed for legal reasons – was detained in October over an alleged incident that took place last year. According to The Sun, the man is alleged to have raped a woman after a BBC event. It is understood that the unnamed star is not related to the current series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The alleged victim is not believed to have ever been a contestant or dancer on the hit BBC show, but had met the man due to his participation on Strictly.
A statement shared by the Hertfordshire Police says, ‘A man was released on police bail under investigation on Monday 13 October on suspicion of rape.’
Adding that the allegations relate to an incident which happened in Hertfordshire, they added, ‘Inquiries by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Public Protection team will continue. Given the nature of the allegations, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.’
A BBC spokesperson said, ‘It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.’
Why hasn’t the Strictly star accused of rape been named?
As for why the man has not been named, this is all down to legal reasons. The law recognises that everyone one of us has a ‘reasonable expectation’ of privacy, and this usually includes the right to privacy regarding an arrest until charges are formally brought.
First launched in 2004, Strictly has faced several scandals in recent years relating to both their professional and celebrity guests.
The latest allegation of rape comes just months after another male star of the BBC dance show was arrested in August on suspicion of rape. The Metropolitan Police said the man, who has also not been named, was also suspected of ‘non-consensual intimate image abuse.’ It’s not known what role that individual has in the programme.
Earlier this year, the BBC also launched an investigation into alleged drug use by two of the show’s stars, who have not been named. In August, the Metropolitan Police said they were investigating allegations of drug use on Strictly.
Charlotte Roberts is a writer at Grazia UK, specialising in SEO. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment – from film review roundups to cast explainers.
