
Strictly ‘drug probe' star was ‘off their face' on booze during show & 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
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Unfortunately, the team's lacklustre performances meant many squad members, including French, would not be selected again. Meanwhile, while still playing professionally at St Helens, French studied for a degree in English, Latin and Russian at Leeds university. He graduated in 1962 and applied for teacher training at Loughborough university, only to be turned down because he was a rugby league professional. He eventually qualified back at Leeds and taught English at his alma mater Cowley, where he stayed until retirement. It was during his time at Cowley that French began commentating on rugby league for local radio, eventually progressing to the BBC. He was awarded the MBE in 2011 for services to rugby league. The man-of-the-match award in the 1895 Cup Final for lower-division teams is named after him, reflecting his love of, and involvement in, grassroots rugby. He married Helen (nee Bromilow) in 1963. She survives his, as does son Gary and daughter Susan. Raymond James French, rugby league player, journalist and sports commentator, born 23 December 1939, died 26 July 2025