BBC Faces Dilemma Over ‘Ashley Cain

The BBC has declined to commit to airing Season 2 of reality series Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone after The Guardian newspaper uncovered the presenter’s alleged historical misogynistic remarks.

Ashley Cain was being cultivated by the BBC as a presenter who could resonate with young male viewers, but the former professional footballer is now facing scrutiny after being accused of describing women as “slags,” “sluts,” and “bitches” on X/Twitter.

In an investigation on Wednesday, The Guardian published a series of Cain’s unsavory comments, including a message to one woman in 2015 in which he allegedly told her to “suck a dick, and f**k off.” In another 2014 remark, he is accused of writing to a second woman: “Go and choke on a cock you slut.”

Cain did not respond to The Guardian‘s requests for comments. It’s not clear whether Cain has a representative, but Deadline contacted the presenter via Instagram and through his charity, The Azaylia Foundation. Cain’s X/Twitter account has been deactivated.

The BBC was said to be unaware of Cain’s social media comments, but it is understood that executives consider them to be deplorable. “We are very clear we expect the highest standards of behaviour from everyone who works with or for the BBC,” a BBC spokesperson said. “When allegations are brought to our attention we take them seriously. We will consider this information carefully and do not intend to comment further at this stage.”

No decision has been made about whether Season 2 of Into The Danger Zone will air after it was filmed earlier this year. The BBC has asked True North, the Sky-owned producer behind Into The Danger Zone, to review its social media background checks. True North has been approached for comment via a Sky spokesperson.

Into The Danger Zone follows Cain as he meets young men on the fringes of society in some of the brutal and intense places in the world. He is no stranger to television, having previously appeared on MTV’s Ex on the Beach and The Challenge.