The BBC’s 2024 has been a year to forget—a whirlwind of controversies, resignations, and accusations that have left the broadcaster bruised and battered. From MasterChef to Strictly Come Dancing, high-profile male stars have been at the centre of a relentless string of scandals, forcing the corporation to confront its workplace culture head-on.
January: Starting the year on shaky ground
The year kicked off with the BBC still reeling from the fallout of allegations against news anchor Huw Edwards, accused of accessing indecent images of children via WhatsApp. Meanwhile, Russell Brand denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour during an interview, and Strictly drama unfolded as actress Amanda Abbington blamed her brief stint on the show for her PTSD diagnosis.
Spring: Resignations and investigations
By April, Edwards resigned “on medical advice,” while the BBC apologised to the family at the centre of the Edwards scandal. In May, Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice faced allegations of bullying, adding another layer to the corporation’s troubles.
Summer: Controversies pile up
Things didn’t cool down over the summer. Edwards was charged with possessing indecent images, and it emerged that the BBC had continued to employ him after his arrest. Meanwhile, Match of the Day presenter Jermaine Jenas was sacked following workplace misconduct complaints, and Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima left amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Autumn: Damage control and Gregg Wallace enters the frame
By October, the BBC announced an independent review of its workplace culture, trying to stem the tide of scandals. Then November arrived, and MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace found himself under fire, accused of making inappropriate sexual jokes spanning 17 years.
In response, Wallace claimed the allegations came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”—a defence that sparked even more backlash. He later apologised for any offence caused.
A broadcaster in crisis
The BBC has spent much of 2024 grappling with the fallout of these scandals, from high-profile resignations to explosive allegations against its stars. Director-General Tim Davie admitted the corporation had been “let down” and pledged reforms, but the damage to its reputation is undeniable.
As the year comes to a close, one thing is clear: the BBC will need more than a few PR fixes to rebuild trust in 2025. Whether these scandals serve as a turning point or just another chapter in a turbulent history remains to be seen.
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