Strictly Come Dancing has been plagued with controversies for years, but it appeared to get worse in 2023 after Amanda Abbington quit over alleged “abusive treatment” from Giovanni Pernice. At the time the inestigation upheld some of her complaints relating to verbal bullying and harassment, but dismissed claims of physical abuse, resulting in an apology to Amanda and Giovanni’s exit from the show. Shortly after, similar claims emerged between Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima, resulting in his exit from the show too.

While Strictly used to be hit with the classic “Strictly curse” each year, it has since become far more than that, and following claims of abusive treatment, this year has seen multiple allegations emerge about both contestants, and the show itself. With the series over and a new year kicking off, let’s look back at the scandals surrounding the show in 2025.

Wynne Evans’ “inappropriate” remark

It was reported in January of 2025 that Wynne had made a sexualised remark in front of his fellow co-stars, which he soon apologised for. He issued a statement at the time and said: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise”. The BBC had also issued a statement to state they had not received any complaints but had made it clear to Wynne that the behaviour is not tolerated.

(Image: Getty)

Reported drug use

An investigation was launched by the BBC to dive into the alleged drug use by two Strictly Come Dancing stars. The Sun on Sunday has reported that cocaine use by two stars was widely talked about on the show, prompting the BBC to hire a law firm to carry out the probe. The BBC had stated at the time they had “clear protocols and policies in place” for dealing with complaints. Claims of drug use was made in a legal submission to the BBC in March by law firm Russells, on behalf of Wynne Evans, who had previously appeared on the show.

(Image: PA)

Strictly star arrested on suspicion of rape

In August, a Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape. The man, who is in his 30s and remains unnamed, was also detained over an allegation of “non-consensual intimate image abuse”. The Met Police said at the time that an arrest was made in east London in a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary following a “third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences”.

(Image: BBC)

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Tom Skinner backlash

Tom Skinner faced an abundance of backlash when he signed on to Strictly, and after he stormed out of a press conference things only seemed to get worse. It was shortly after claimed that he had an affair, but it was claimed by a source to The Sun on Sunday that the couple “dealt with it back then”, when it took place over three years prior, and that it was “all in the past”. Tom’s abundance of backlash quickly distracted viewers and he was voted out of the competition early doors.

(Image: Getty)

Wynne Evans hospitalised

Wynne admitted months after the apology for the inappropriate comment that after an abundance of backlash he felt he “paid the ultimate price” He said on This Morning: “I went on a dancing show and ended up trying to take my own life, I did end up in hospital, somebody phoned me, rang an ambulance, and luckily for me, I’m here today.” He’s now focused on being an advocate for mental health and said the experience gave him a better understanding of it.

Samaritans provides 24-hour support for people at risk of suicide. They can be contacted anonymously on 116 123 or at samaritans.org