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Scottish Sun
5 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Strictly ‘drug probe' star was ‘off their face' on booze during show & crew smelt alcohol on their breath
ONE of the Strictly stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after other cast and crew smelt alcohol on their breath. The Sun exclusively revealed at the weekend that the BBC had called in external lawyers to explore claims that two people from the dance contest had been taking cocaine. They were widely known to be using the drug, and it's been alleged that one of these Strictly performers were equally infamous for being a drinker. So much so that it was believed that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them, during last year's show, to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours. When The Sun took these claims to the BBC last year they said they were not true, but its understood that the drugs probe may end up scrutinising all of their behaviour. A TV insider said: "The person in question is renowned for loving to party, and that is a major problem when it impacts on their ability to do the job they need to do on Strictly in a safe and professional manner. "It's not just about something being illegal or legal, it's about the BBC's workplace policies and how the behaviour of certain individuals can impact on their work colleagues. "On a very physical show like Strictly, with lots of sets and moving parts, the idea of someone being intoxicated in any way is wholly unacceptable." It's now believed that the BBC are set to offer the two stars at the centre of the drugs storm the chance to attend rehab. It comes amid claims it was widely known they took cocaine on the show, with a celebrity claiming it was "well known on the show that two stars took cocaine" One star allegedly said to another, about a third: "Have you seen their pupils ... they're off their face." Executives are now considering adding random drugs tests next year when Strictly tours where after-parties are known for wild scenes. A BBC spokesperson: 'We do not recognise these claims and, as previously outlined to The Sun, the scenario they put to us involving anyone being asked to monitor an individual is categorically untrue.' BBC launches inquiry into damning allegations of drug consumption on flagship show Strictly Come Dancing


The Sun
5 minutes ago
- The Sun
Strictly ‘drug probe' star was ‘off their face' on booze during show & crew smelt alcohol on their breath
ONE of the Strictly stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after other cast and crew smelt alcohol on their breath. The Sun exclusively revealed at the weekend that the BBC had called in external lawyers to explore claims that two people from the dance contest had been taking cocaine. They were widely known to be using the drug, and it's been alleged that one of these Strictly performers were equally infamous for being a drinker. So much so that it was believed that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them, during last year's show, to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours. When The Sun took these claims to the BBC last year they said they were not true, but its understood that the drugs probe may end up scrutinising all of their behaviour. A TV insider said: "The person in question is renowned for loving to party, and that is a major problem when it impacts on their ability to do the job they need to do on Strictly in a safe and professional manner. "It's not just about something being illegal or legal, it's about the BBC's workplace policies and how the behaviour of certain individuals can impact on their work colleagues. "On a very physical show like Strictly, with lots of sets and moving parts, the idea of someone being intoxicated in any way is wholly unacceptable." It's now believed that the BBC are set to offer the two stars at the centre of the drugs storm the chance to attend rehab. It comes amid claims it was widely known they took cocaine on the show, with a celebrity claiming it was "well known on the show that two stars took cocaine" One star allegedly said to another, about a third: "Have you seen their pupils ... they're off their face." Executives are now considering adding random drugs tests next year when Strictly tours where after-parties are known for wild scenes. A BBC spokesperson: 'We do not recognise these claims and, as previously outlined to The Sun, the scenario they put to us involving anyone being asked to monitor an individual is categorically untrue.' BBC launches inquiry into damning allegations of drug consumption on flagship show Strictly Come Dancing 1


South Wales Guardian
10 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Tributes paid to 'legend' James Whale after death aged 74
Whale had fought a long battle with kidney cancer, having been first diagnosed in 2000, with doctors predicting he had three months to live. However, he had surgery to remove one of his kidneys and six years later, he launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer to fund research and raise awareness of the disease. His cancer returned in 2020, and it was revealed that it had also spread to his spine, brain and lungs. We are sad to announce that James Whale MBE died earlier today aged 74, following a lengthy battle with cancer. As a broadcasting legend for over 50-years, James will be missed by so many at TALK and the wider News UK family. The broadcaster's final column was published just hours before he passed away, in which he revealed he's "happy to go now and feels at peace" after moving into a hospice. He is survived by his wife Nadine and his two sons James and Peter. Whale first came to prominence in the 1980s as the host of The James Whale Radio Show on Radio Aire in Leeds. From 1995 to 2008, he hosted a night-time radio show on talkSPORT (Talk Radio 1995–2000), followed by stints on LBC 97.3 and various BBC radio stations. He covered shows on talkRADIO from October 2016, including James Whale Unleashed. Very sad to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago. Quite a few people within the media industry paid tribute to Whale following the news of his death. MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among those who had some warm words to share about the presenter. He posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): "James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed." James Whale was a broadcasting pioneer, legend and the king of late night talk radio. But most importantly, he was a friend who will be missed. Programme editor at Talk TV, Christian Mitchell, said: "Very said to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend @THEJamesWhale after his long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. "Honoured to record his final interview just weeks ago." Fellow Talk TV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer wrote: "So sad that my amazing, wonderful @TalkTV colleague James Whale has died. Recommended reading: Ex-Celebrity Big Brother 'legend' James Whale dies aged 74 Zoe Ball set for new TV role just weeks after returning to BBC Radio 2 BBC presenter and comedian Romesh Ranganathan 'taking a step back' from career "He was a legend both on air and off air. It was a pleasure and an honour to know him. Sending Nadine and his family all my love xxxx". Journalist and broadcaster Dawn Neesom shared: "So sad to hear that James has gone. God bless you Whaley, at peace & free of pain. Thoughts with the amazing @nadine_lamont & James family." Media commentator and columnist Charlie Mullens posted: "This morning I heard the sad news of the passing of the broadcasting legend and my dear friend - the one and only James Whale MBE James mate rest in peace now."