The BBC has initiated an investigation into allegations of drug use involving two stars of *Strictly Come Dancing*.
According to a report in *The Sun on Sunday*, claims of cocaine use by the individuals, who remain unnamed, were reportedly circulating within the show.
BBC News has learned that the corporation has engaged a law firm to assist in conducting the inquiry.
The BBC has stated that it maintains “clear protocols and policies in place” for addressing any serious complaints brought to its attention.
*The Sun on Sunday* reports that the allegations of drug use were included in a legal submission to the BBC in March by Russells, a law firm representing Wynne Evans, a former celebrity contestant on the program.
BBC News has reached out to Evans for comment.
The newspaper further alleges that other individuals have also reported claims of drug use on the show to the BBC.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, a BBC spokesperson added, “We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns.
“It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”
It is understood that the appointment of external law firms to assist in BBC-led investigations is a common practice. In such instances, the law firms would report their findings to an internal BBC team.
*Strictly Come Dancing*, which has been on air since 2004, has faced several controversies in the past year regarding the conduct of some of its professional dancers and celebrity participants.
Professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima departed the show last year following allegations concerning their behavior towards their respective dance partners.
In July, the BBC announced new welfare measures for *Strictly Come Dancing*, including the presence of chaperones in all rehearsal spaces, the addition of two new welfare producers, and enhanced training for professional dancers, the production team, and crew members.
In January, Wynne Evans, a Welsh opera singer and former celebrity dancer on last year’s series, made what he described as an “inappropriate and unacceptable” comment during the launch of the *Strictly* live tour.
He subsequently took time off from his BBC Radio Wales daytime program, and in May, the BBC announced that he would not be returning to the show.
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was suspended by the BBC in June after *The Sun* reported that he used a derogatory term against individuals with disabilities while backstage during *Strictly* rehearsals in November. Borthwick issued an apology, and the BBC stated that his language was “entirely unacceptable.”
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