The BBC has implemented new measures across its programming in recent years to ensure the welfare and protection of contestants and staff
A television star says he has “never been more cautious”, following a series of controversies that have rocked the BBC in recent years. Ahead of the return of Gladiators next week, Alex Gray – aka Apollo – opened up about “the responsibility” that comes with appearing on the show.
Asked whether he is on any dating apps, he said: “I’m gonna be honest with you, I’ve probably never been more wanted in my life, but I’ve never been more cautious.
“There’s a responsibility that comes with being a Gladiator and I don’t take it lightly.
“You know, I love playing up to the myth of Apollo but at the same time, I wanna be a decent person and when I’m not on the show, I like to keep out of trouble as much as I can.”
The Guardian’s Helen Pitt also highlighted that there is a strict rule in place for all Gladiators in an effort to avoid any controversy.
She writes: “After Gregg Wallace-gate and various Strictly scandals, the BBC cannot afford any whiff of controversy around another prime-time show. That’s why the Gladiators are drug tested each season.”
Gregg was removed from MasterChef by the BBC and production company Banijay UK last year, after co-hosting the programme with John Torode for 20 years.
This followed an independent review, commissioned by MasterChef’s producers and carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin, which examined 83 allegations of inappropriate conduct, made against the chef over many years.
The investigation substantiated 45 of those complaints, most of which related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, with at least one involving unwelcome physical contact.
In a statement, the chef said he is “deeply sorry for any distress” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate”.
Separately, John Torode was removed from his role after a complaint alleging his use of “an extremely offensive racist term” was upheld.
In response to the allegation, the chef issued a statement claiming he had “no recollection” of the incident.
He added: “I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
Strictly Come Dancing has also had its fair share of drama in recent years – from fallouts between pairings to alleged drug use.
The corporation confirmed it is reviewing the drug-use claims with an external law firm. So far, no one has been publicly named or charged, and the investigation remains ongoing.
In 2025, contestant Wynne Evans made headlines after being accused of making a sexualised remark in front of his fellow co-stars while on the Strictly tour.
He issued a statement at the time, saying: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
The BBC later said it had not received any complaints at the time, but made clear to Wynne that such behaviour is not tolerated.
Meanwhile, the BBC introduced chaperones in Strictly rehearsal rooms in 2024, as part of stricter duty-of-care measures.
Source: Mirror
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