This article contains explicit and offensive language.
The BBC has pulled a documentary series hosted by former footballer Ashley Cain after past social media posts showing him using misogynistic and explicit language towards women were unearthed. Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone had filmed its second season earlier this year.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said (via Metro): "The posts by Ashley Cain, albeit from many years ago, are completely unacceptable.
"The BBC has clear requirements around vetting and social media checks, which are undertaken by the production company. In this instance, the process clearly failed and we are investigating why. We are continuing to strengthen our processes to ensure everyone working for, and on behalf of, the BBC meets our values and standards.
"We have no plans to broadcast the new series of Into the Danger Zone, and no future projects with Ashley Cain."
Cain's social media posts were brought to light by The Guardian, who reported the ex-footballer called women "slags", "bitches", "sluts", and "psychos", among other offensive terms.
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The Guardian also reported that in June 2025, Cain traveled to the US to film another documentary, Sin City: The Real Las Vegas, for the BBC.
The publication reports that filming on the series was paused on 12 June after Cain appeared to be intoxicated.
A BBC commissioner is said to have been made aware of the concerns raised by the show's crew, leading to production being suspended. This incident is said to have occurred before the BBC green lit the second season of Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone.
The first season of Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone aired in 2025 and saw him travel to some of the world's most dangerous places and interviewing young men.
Ahead of its airing, BBC commissioning editor Nasfim Haque had said: "Ashley is what BBC Three is about – a new talent giving us a new perspective."
Season one of Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone is still available to watch on iPlayer.
Cain has also appeared on the BBC's Celebrity Masterchef, as well as Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins as well as MTV's The Challenge and Ex On The Beach.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stephanie is a freelance news writer, who previously covered WWE and AEW for Digital Spy.
After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she studied journalism at Birkbeck University.
Outside of her work at Digital Spy, she writes about pop culture, with a special focus towards Irish media and how it intersects with politics.
You can read more of her work on her Substack page.
