BBC issues new anti-grooming guidelines amid Strictly and Huw Edwards scandals

The BBC has reportedly issued a stern warning to its stars not to misuse their 'celebrity status', as part of new anti-grooming guidelines, following a series of scandals.

Strictly Come Dancing found itself in turmoil when accusations were levelled against several of its professional dancers, including Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Giovanni was taken off the line-up after Amanda Abbington criticised his 'militant' training approach and alleged 'bullying' behaviour.

Giovanni has strongly refuted all allegations made against him and pledged to vindicate himself.

Graziano, now employed in a manual labour role, was dismissed following serious misconduct allegations involving his former dance partner Zara McDermott. He confessed to kicking her during a rehearsal but denied any physical or verbal abuse.

Zara later countered the Italian professional dancer's claims, insisting it wasn't an isolated incident, reports the Mirror.

In another case, BBC presenter Huw Edwards stepped down from his News at Ten role on health grounds, a year after he was accused of paying £35,000 for explicit images of a young individual. The police did not pursue action against Edwards, stating there was no evidence of a criminal offence.

Before stepping down, Edwards had been absent from the screen for nearly a year, last appearing on the News at One on July 5, 2023 and announcing his resignation on 22 April 2024. In light of the allegations, staff have reportedly been provided with guidelines on how to report 'potential grooming' and 'rumours or evidence of a potential relationship involving an imbalance of power'.

The updated guidelines remind employees that 'being associated with or working for the BBC may give you a public platform, followers on social media, a fanbase, or influence in public life'. They also reportedly caution staff against 'misusing or abusing the power, influence or status you have attained as a result of your association with the BBC'.

According to The Sunday Times, they have revised their policy on managing personal relationships at work. Celebrities were reportedly advised not to seek 'personal favours', 'gain the trust of others and misuse power to instigate personal relationships' or 'harass,' 'sexually harass', 'bully,' 'discriminate' or 'intimidate' others.

Stars have been sternly warned against 'grooming others with the intention of personal favours, relationships or harm to others'. The BBC staff are urged to report any suspicious activities to their superiors or HR department.

They've also been advised to keep an eye out for "signs or evidence of potential grooming", "unexplained gifts", "coercive behaviour" and "evidence of using BBC profile for personal gain", as well as "rumours or evidence of a potential relationship involving an imbalance of power".

A spokesperson from the BBC told Express.co.uk: "The BBC is a modern and inclusive organisation and we work hard to create a culture where everyone can thrive professionally and produce their best work. We take all forms of bullying, harassment and misconduct incredibly seriously, and we've made great strides in recent years to update and improve our policies."

BBC radio legend Tim Westwood has faced accusations from several women alleging sexual misconduct spanning from 1992 to 2017, which he has vehemently denied, stating: "It's all false allegations."

Furthermore, after comedian Russell Brand, a former BBC employee, was accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse - charges he refutes - complaints were lodged with the BBC.