Strictly faces fresh scandal as 'married celeb spotted kissing BBC pro' in video

Strictly Come Dancing is facing fresh controversy after a video emerged of a married male contestant kissing a female professional dancer. It has been claimed the 12-second clip, filmed on a mobile phone at Elstree Studios, features a former male contestant "passionately" locking lips with a professional on the show in a dressing room backstage. It is alleged to have occurred during a previous series. An insider said that the clip, circulated widely on WhatsApp, has shocked many given the pair's previous denials of romance rumors.

They warned that if the video were made public, it could trigger a major PR crisis for the BBC and the two stars involved. A source told The Sun: "This incident has been the talk of Strictly in very need-to-know for the past couple of years. The video itself shows the famous married family man passionately kissing his female dance pro. She is sitting on his knee, and he has his hand on her back before leaning in for a kiss. The kiss only lasts a few seconds but it would more than likely end his marriage and destroy his carefully cultivated family man image.

"It has been shared around on WhatsApp though as everyone is slightly sickened by this pair's duplicitousness especially as they always knocked down scurrilous romance rumours.

"If this video comes out it would be an absolute PR crisis for both the BBC and the two stars involved. It will rock the very foundations of Strictly."

The source warned the video could destroy the star's long-standing marriage to his 'adorable and kind wife' and tarnish their family-friendly image.

Bosses are likely to be furious, having hoped to maintain a drama-free image for the show following numerous scandals.

Giovanni Pernice stepped down from the show after his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, accused him of bullying. The 35-year-old has always denied the claims made against him. An investigation was launched and upheld six of the 17 complaints made against the Italian dancer.

The show faced fresh controversy just months later when Graziano Di Prima was removed over allegations he "kicked" Love Island star Zara McDermott during rehearsals.

Following the scandals, the BBC implemented stricter anti-bullying measures for contestants, such as a dedicated helpline and chaperones during rehearsals.

Back in August, the BBC launched an investigation into alleged cocaine use by two Strictly stars. Reports alleged their drug use was discussed on the show, and said that the corporation had appointed law firm Pinsent Masons to lead the investigation.

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."

The names of the cast members involved have not been made public. The same month, a Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape.

The male suspect, who has not been named for legal reasons, was also reportedly being questioned by police over allegations involving "non-consensual intimate image abuse".

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.

"This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us.

"The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing."