STRICTLY has been hit by fresh drug allegations from a former veteran worker on the show — including claims he was offered cocaine by one of its stars.
The whistleblower, who worked on the family hit for ten years until 2023, said he saw “partying” at the Elstree studios after live filming.
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He alleged stars and crew were “drinking and taking drugs”.
He claimed on two separate occasions bags of white power, suspected to be cocaine, were found in a smoking area and also in the men’s toilets.
And the ex-production crew member alleges one of the Strictly stars offered him cocaine at a Blackpool show after-party.
We have passed on his allegations to the BBC.
It comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed last week The Sun on Sunday revealed last week the BBC had launched an inquiry into allegations of cocaine abuse on Strictly by two stars.
BBC bosses have hired external lawyers Pinsent Masons to speak to former contestants, professional dancers and crew.
We told how one star accused another of being “off their face” on drugs.
And a celebrity had told how it was “well known on the show that two stars took cocaine . . . it was talked about widely among the cast”.
Now, in the latest claims, the long-serving former production crew member, told The Sun on Sunday: “Strictly is full of partying and drug -taking.
BBC launches inquiry into damning allegations of drug consumption on flagship show Strictly Come Dancing
“The main partying is on site at Elstree after filming of the live show has finished. Boozing and drug taking goes on until 3am, sometimes 4am.
“The smoking area outside is a hive of activity. Cocaine gets taken there.
“I remember a bag of cocaine was found in the outside smoking area at Elstree and handed in to a senior producer. That person said, ‘Leave it on my desk’, no eyebrows were raised.
“On another occasion, a small bag of cocaine was found in the male toilets at Elstree. It was widely discussed by people working on the show.
“But in some ways it was seen as quite normal, to find that sort of thing.
"People think they can get away with it.”
Strictly is full of partying and drug taking
Whistleblower
The whistleblower came forward after reading our story last Sunday and learning of the BBC-led inquiry.
He claimed the annual show filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom was “a particularly big celebration” for the cast and crew.
He said: “Blackpool was always a big party night. I was offered cocaine by a star at an after-show party. Lots of people would go back to the hotel.
“It was a closed-off party, just for the cast and crew. It went on until 5am, even to 6am, it was insane. People were wired and you could see it in their eyes.
“There was lots of champagne and Prosecco too, loads of bottles of it.”
He added that he thought it was “well known” on the programme that one of the stars took cocaine, and that he felt they needed help.
He said: “They had a real problem with cocaine, lots of people spoke about it.”
Referring to these latest allegations, a BBC spokesman said: “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.
“We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns.”
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It came as the BBC is prepared to launch its 23rd series of Strictly next month.
The Corporation is hoping for a scandal-free show after previous ones were hit by numerous controversies.
They included Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington accusing Giovanni Pernice of bullying her and Graziano Di Prima being sacked for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
Last weekend, The Sun on Sunday revealed drugs allegations were made in a legal submission to the BBC in March, by law firm Russells, on behalf of celebrity contestant Wynne Evans — who was axed from the Strictly live tour after he was recorded making an inappropriate sexual comment.
It was understood others have also reported to the BBC allegations of drug taking on Strictly.
A source said: “It’s been an extremely difficult time for everyone connected to Strictly but, to be fair, the BBC acted promptly on The Sun’s drug allegations and brought in external lawyers to help with their investigation.
“They’re clearly determined to clean up the show, which of course is a hugely popular family show, so it’s no real surprise they are taking these allegations seriously and holding a proper inquiry.
“With the new Strictly series about to start, and the latest crop of celebrities being unveiled soon, the BBC will want it all to run smoothly.”
