BBC says Strictly shirt edit followed its general guidelines

Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal footage showed the slogan on Bethany Antonia’s shirt obscured during the BBC broadcast on Saturday, October 10. The broadcaster said the editing was consistent with its general policy of reducing overt branding and slogans on entertainment programs, regardless of their wording or message. Antonia, an actress and contestant, wore a white shirt bearing the words “Protect the Dolls” while rehearsing an American Smooth with her dance partner, Nancy Xu. The slogan was visible in footage from the rehearsal shared by the BBC on Instagram on October 9, but it was obscured in the rehearsal montage shown during the episode. Viewers also noted the editing in the program uploaded to BBC iPlayer. The phrase is used in support of transgender women. The broadcast did not show the slogan clearly, and the BBC’s explanation described its general guidelines rather than explaining why the wording on Antonia’s shirt was obscured in this instance. The broadcaster said it takes appropriate steps to reduce overt branding or slogans on entertainment shows, irrespective of the statement involved. Antonia and Xu are paired together on this year’s series.