BBC launches investigation into Strictly stars' ‘cocaine use'
According to reports, the allegations were made in a legal submission by law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, who was dropped by the BBC after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour.
Others have also reported drug use on the show, according to The Sun.
A BBC spokesperson 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. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.'
it is understood that the BBC often appoints external law firms to help it lead investigations, while reporting back to an internal team.
The cast members involved in the investigation were not named by The Sun.
It comes after the BBC launched a review into Strictly in 2024 that looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington.
The corporation upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made – and introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving welfare.
This included the introduction of a chaperone who is present 'at all times' during training room rehearsals.
EastEnders star James Borthwick was also suspended from the BBC after a video emerged of the actor using a disabled slur on the set of the dance programme.
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Scottish Sun
24 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
I was on FaceTime call with my best friend when she was killed in a horror car crash – her screams will haunt me forever
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A YOUNG woman who was on FaceTime with her best pal when she was killed in a car crash says she'll be haunted by the memory forever. Ebony Neville heard tragic work colleague Stephanie Nye-Diroyan suddenly scream as the video call cut out. 9 Ivan Zailac and Stephanie Nye-Diroyan (right) just seconds before the fatal crash Credit: Ebony Neville 9 Stephanie, 21, was killed in the horror collision Credit: Central News 9 Ebony Neville (left) and Stephanie were best pals, having met at work months before Credit: Ebony Neville The 21-year-old then began frantically trying to call her friend back before getting into her own car and driving along the same route, eventually coming across the crash site. Stephanie, 21, was a passenger in a BMW being driven by another work colleague, Ivan Zaliac, 24, when they ploughed into a lorry at nearly 100mph on Mollison Avenue, in Enfield North London. Ebony told The Sun: "Seconds before the phone cut out you could hear the engine revving and Stephanie's scream - then it froze on her face." She added: 'I tried to ring her back - I don't know what I was thinking had happened. READ MORE NEWS DEATH SMASH Sales exec killed colleague in 100mph horror crash - but walks free from court 'I then got in my car and I didn't know where to go, I knew that they were in Brimsdown, in that local area, but I had no idea where.' Zaliac - who walked free from court last month after being deemed unfit to stand trial - had been giving Stephanie a lift on October 23 2022 after they finished work at nearby second hand car dealership Big Motoring World. Ebony was ill that day and Stephanie had agreed to stop off to see her on her way home when she died. The crash happened at 7.54pm. 'It was literally a quick call,' explained Ebony. 'She worked that day - it was a Sunday - and I wasn't in. 'It was a quick catch up, really. A catch up with a friend, that's all. She was such a good friend, she'd been non-stop checking in throughout the day - but couldn't ring me until she finished work. 'We were on the phone and then it froze on Stephanie's face, and the call cut out.' Three pedestrians injured by falling rubble as van crashes through multi-storey car park wall in UK city centre She added: 'I then rang her personal phone. I also rang Ivan's phone, both were disconnected and were being put through to voicemail.' Ebony said she waited 20 minutes and was 'still ringing during this time… just to try and find out what had happened'. She rang the police and found out there'd been a 'bad crash' in Brimsdown so 'drove around'. 'It wasn't too far from my house, it was about an 11-minute drive,' Ebony said. 'The road was blocked off. I hadn't been told who was involved in the crash or what had happened. 'I wasn't allowed to know any information.' She was then directed to The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel in the East End, where Stephanie had been taken. Holding back tears, Ebony said: 'I did everything I could that day and I wouldn't change anything. I went to the hospital… I wasn't allowed to know anything without Stephanie's mother knowing first.' 9 Zailac was deemed unfit to stand trial earlier this month Credit: Central News 9 Mollison Avenue in Brimsdown where the crash took place Credit: Google Maps 9 Stephanie and her mum Nicholle Diroyan (left) Credit: Ebony Neville A screen shot she captured of Stephanie during the call, a few minutes before the crash, was shown in court. Ebony took to the stand to give evidence. She said: 'I was quite upset and ran out of the room immediately afterwards, and put myself together before returning.' Zailac suffers from amnesia and doesn't remember the details of what happened after suffering a brain injury in the collision and subsequent psychiatric issues. He had been ruled unfit to stand trial so the jury had to formally decide whether he did the act alleged, namely causing Stephanie's death by dangerous driving. The jury then found he did carry out the act. Judge Sarah Munro, KC, said Zailac will be supervised by a nominated social worker and the Hillingdon mental health team for two years. 'This is the only way your mental health can be restored in order for a decision to be made as to whether there are further legal consequences for you to face,' the judge said. Prosecutor Frederick Hookway told the court that the Crown intends to put Zailac on trial if he recovers. 'The objective of this order is for the improvement of the defendant's mental health not only for his own sake but for the future of these proceedings,' he said. 'The crown do intend to reinstitute these proceedings when and if appropriate.' Stephanie's mum Nicholle Diroyan sobbed as she read her victim impact statement at the Old Bailey on July 7. She said: 'The pain of losing her is immeasurable and every day without her feels incomplete.' Ebony, who now lives in Manchester, has launched a petition to try and ensure Stephanie's family get justice. 'There's been three years of constant delays and adjournments - and now we're told it'll be 2027 before we know if Ivan can even stand trial. 'It's the waiting. We're left in the dark.'. 'I feel so sorry for Stephanie's mum Nicholle - who's always at the court but then left frustrated each time.' Ebony added: 'We were told the jury returned a verdict in a record time. Quickest for death by dangerous driving for 27 years. 'Despite this clear outcome, family and friends are waiting for justice.' Referring to the two-year order, she said: 'It's a deterrent of the law, rather than an enforcement.' She added: 'That grievance, when everything is brought back up. I'm quite shaky on this call, it's traumatic to relive the tragic crash and death of Stephanie.' Ebony went on to say: 'Stephanie was the most lovely, genuine, outgoing person. She was there for her friends, she was there for her family. 'If anyone needed her, she'd message, she'd ring, she'd be there for you. To see her face in the newspaper in such a tragic way, and yet we're still yet to receive any justice, is so heartbreaking.' Stephanie had hired Ebony several months before, and was her manager before being promoted to the finance department shortly prior to her death. 'We became friends so quickly,' she said. 'The week before she died we were in Manchester and Nottingham, just enjoying ourselves. 'I was always going round to hers and picking her up or going for lunch break. 'Sometimes we'd get a takeaway into work and would be sitting there with 10 different Greggs items. She was amazing.' Ebony added: 'We believe she's looking down on us so proud of us all.' For more on Ebony's petition see here. Do you know more? Email 9 Ebony had rushed out in her own car after learning about the crash Credit: Ebony Neville 9 Stephanie with her pals Ella, Mia and Millie on a night out Credit: Ebony Neville
Scottish Sun
24 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Harry Potter event loved by millions of film buffs & celebs like Jude Law AXED for good…leaving fans' lives ‘ruined'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HARRY Potter fans will be crying into their butter beers as an annual Kings Cross tradition has been permanently axed, The Sun can reveal. The 'back to Hogwarts' gathering took place every September 1 at the London train station, attracting thousands of Potterheads - many in full costume. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 9 Harry Potter fans await the moment the Hogwarts Express departs from platform 9 3/4 at Kings' Cross station Credit: Rex 9 Fans cheer as the clock strikes 11am during Back To Hogwarts Day 2023 Credit: Getty 9 The information boards at Kings Cross station display Hogsmeade Credit: Getty 9 Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law at platform 9 3/4 during Back to Hogwarts day in 2018 Credit: Getty Images - Getty They'd wait with baited breath for the tongue-in-cheek announcement that the fictional Hogwarts Express would depart from platform 9 ¾ at 11am, as happens in JK Rowling's books. A sign would also appear on the departure boards signalling the train going to "Hogsmeade" the town near where Hogwarts is located. In 2018, Hollywood stars Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law even attended to promote Potter spin-off movie Fantastic Beasts 2. However, last year fans booed when the fun public address failed to take place - and now we can reveal it will not return next month. National Rail said the event had attracted far too many crowds and had posed issues for genuine travellers getting their trains. A spokesperson said the last full gathering in 2023 saw thousands of people turn up 'which made it challenging for us as station operator'. They have now confirmed to The Sun: 'It is the same for this year, in that we won't be hosting the event at the station.' Instead, organisers Wizarding World and Warner Bros Discovery are putting on an online alternative this September 1. Writing on Facebook, fans were hopeful last year was just a blip. They said at the time: 'It's so sad that this was cancelled… nice to have traditions as most things have been ruined these days.' Another added: 'It brings people together.' JK Rowling hails BBC host for refusing to say 'pregnant people' live on air And another: 'It's awful they took a small piece of fun away, life's too short." A third said: 'It was so nice that the station used to actually announce this, such fun. But I can see why they decided to end this - way too many people and too much of a disruption for a real train station.' The Potterverse is currently experiencing a boost in popularity with the upcoming Amazon-produced series, which began filming last month. The book series, written by Rowling, began with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, released in 1997, to huge commercial success. The first film, starring Daniel Radcliffe in the title role, came out in 2001. There are a total of seven books and eight films, ending in 2011. The franchise has since continued to grow exponentially, including the WB studio tour at Leavesden Studios, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter sections within Universal theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood, Japan and Beijing. More than 23 million passengers started or ended their journey at Kings Cross in 2022, according to Railway Data. A Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson said: "Similar to last year, we can confirm that there will be no Back to Hogwarts event, announcement, or countdown at Kings Cross Station, and fans should not plan to go there on 1st September. "We have plenty of fun in store for fans celebrating Back to Hogwarts however, both online and in person. "Plans include a special free screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, with a live Q&A with James and Oliver Phelps, special giveaways, competitions and more." 9 Thousands of fans turn up for the event each year Credit: PA 9 Crowds watch on at the station - with 'magical' suitcases seen in the background Credit: Getty 9 Law and Redmayne attended the event to promote Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald Credit: Getty Images - Getty 9 A Potter fan on Platform 9 and 3/4 Credit: Alamy
Daily Mail
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Chris Hughes suffers career blow as he's 'dropped from the BBC' ahead of major sporting coverage - after leaving ITV Racing following CBB stint
has reportedly been dropped from a huge sporting gig - this time on the BBC, following his Celebrity Big Brother stint and romance with JoJo Siwa. In a blow for Chris, 33, it's reported he has been axed from his presenting duties with BBC Sport. Since 2021, Chris had been a regular face of the BBC's Hundred cricket competition coverage, a format that appeals to younger viewers. With just days to go until this year's league kicks off, Chris has been snubbed from the hosting lineup. A BBC insider told The Sun: 'Chris has done a good job for four years, but we're going in a different direction. 'There will be more focus on the cricket this year, rather than promoting the Hundred as an entertainment show. 'Former England cricketers Alex Hartley and Isa Guha and will lead the presenting team, as they know the sport inside out. Rick Edwards from Radio Five Live will be used in the Chris Hughes role.' World Cup winners Isa Guha and Alex Hartley will anchor the coverage on TV, with Chris' role now being filled by BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast star Rick Edwards. Daily Mail has contacted reps for Chris, while the BBC declined to comment. It comes after the BBC told Chris in 2023 that his comment towards female cricketer Maitlan Brown during the BBC's coverage of The Hundred was 'not appropriate'. Chris was interviewing Southern Brave's Australian star during her side's innings against the Trent Rockets, in which he provided plenty of positivity about the women's game. However, he became sidetracked after Brown mentioned a recent team bonding session among the Brave stars. 'We watched Barbie the other night altogether and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together,' she said. 'That is the key to success I think in tournaments like this, how well and how quickly you can gel as a group.' Since 2021, Chris had been a regular face of the BBC's Hundred cricket competition coverage, a format that appeals to younger viewers (pictured hosting the racing on ITV) Cricket fans flocked to Twitter to blast the Love Island star for his awkward remark Hughes quipped in response: 'You're a little Barbie yourself innit, with your blue eyes.' Brown awkwardly laughed at the remark, before Hughes emulated Chris Gayle by saying: 'She's blushing now.' Cricket legend Gayle was criticised for his awful 'don't blush baby' remark during the Big Bash League in Australia back in 2016. The BBC have since confirmed that they have discussed the incident with Hughes. A spokesperson told Mail Sport: 'We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate.' The news comes after it was reported earlier this year how Chris was leaving his role on ITV Racing in an apparent dispute over pay. Chris, who is a lifelong horse racing fan, had co-hosted coverage of the channels biggest events such as the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot since 2019. The former Love Island hunk took part in the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother in April this year. Whilst locked in the spy house, he grew close to American singer and reality star JoJo, 22. After leaving the show, the pair later confirmed they had progressed from a platonic to a romantic relationship. Meanwhile, Chris was recently forced to hit back at trolls this weekend after they accused him of being a 'creep' and 'doing anything for fame' amid his romance with JoJo. Chris shared a slew of loved-up snaps with JoJo amid their long-distance relationship and penned in the caption: 'just everything - missing you.' Underneath one troll had commented saying: 'Does anybody else find this creepy.' Chris then responded to the woman named Pauline, saying: 'no Pauline, you're miserable, p**s off kindly.' She then responded: 'lol we see long it lasts.' He then continued in a second comment: 'yeah again, you don't need to speak, you don't follow me, respectfully do one thank you.' Chris had previously described JoJo as the 'love of his life' in a sweet interview, whilst also revealing the nickname JoJo has for his private parts in a shocking X-rated confession. The star told E! News last month: 'She calls my balls Jimmy and Timmy. So she must like Jimmy and Timmy,' adding that she loves 'the rhyming lingo.'
