The BBC has defended its decision to edit out a transgender rights slogan from a T-shirt worn by contestant Bethany Antonia during Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal footage. The alteration, which appeared on Saturday’s program and the BBC iPlayer platform, changed the actor’s visible statement to a plain white shirt.
Antonia, known for her role in House of the Dragon, was filmed rehearsing an American Smooth routine alongside her professional dance partner, Nancy Xu. During the practice sessions, Antonia wore a white T-shirt featuring the phrase “Protect the Dolls.” The slogan serves as a sign of support for transgender women-frequently referred to as “dolls” within the LGBTQ+ community-with proceeds from the garment’s sales donated to the UK trans charity Not A Phase.
An earlier promotional video shared on the official BBC Strictly Instagram account clearly displayed the unedited slogan. However, the broadcast version and subsequent social media reposts removed the wording. The designer T-shirt, produced by Conner Ives, has previously been worn by several high-profile public figures, including actors Pedro Pascal and Tilda Swinton, as well as musician Troye Sivan.
BBC Response and Editorial Guidelines
Addressing the public reaction, a BBC spokesperson stated that the modification aligned strictly with internal protocols regarding broadcast compliance.
As is standard practice on any entertainment show on the BBC and in line with our editorial guidelines, appropriate steps are taken to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question.
The broadcaster has a history of altering or obscuring clothing statements to meet impartiality and branding policies. In 2017, the network blurred a T-shirt worn by Clean Bandit singer Grace Chatto that expressed support for former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during a broadcast associated with the One Love Manchester concert. More recently, in 2024, writing on a shirt worn by Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson reading “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” was similarly obscured during an appearance on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.
Public Reaction and Broader Context
The removal of the slogan drew mixed responses from viewers and commentators online. While some critics labeled the digital editing a form of censorship, others noted the consistent application of broad impartiality and anti-branding rules across mainstream entertainment productions. Antonia has not publicly commented on the editing decision.
The controversy coincided with Antonia’s milestone appearance on the dancing competition as part of the show’s third all-female pairing alongside Nancy Xu. Antonia previously noted that she was inspired to request a same- pairing after watching Nicola Adams and Katya Jones compete together in 2020.
