Brief
BBC blurs transgender‑rights slogan on Strictly Come Dancing T‑shirt
BBC said the edit follows its policy to remove overt branding or slogans, regardless of content.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The BBC confirmed that a transgender‑rights slogan on a T‑shirt worn by "House of the Dragon" star Bethany Antonia was blurred for the televised broadcast of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday.
Antonia rehearsed in a white top printed with "Protect the Dolls," a design by Conner Ives that debuted at London Fashion Week in 2025 and raised funds for Trans Lifeline. The broadcast showed a plain white shirt instead.
A BBC spokesperson told Variety that the edit is "standard practice on any entertainment show on the BBC" and is intended to reduce "overt branding or slogans" regardless of wording.
Antonia did not respond to Variety’s request for comment. The actress is partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu; Melanie Walters was eliminated from the competition the same weekend.
Key facts
- BBC blurred the "Protect the Dolls" slogan on Bethany Antonia's T‑shirt during Strictly Come Dancing broadcast. (variety.com)
- The T‑shirt was designed by Conner Ives and originally debuted at London Fashion Week 2025. (variety.com)
- BBC said the edit follows its standard practice to remove overt branding or slogans. (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “BBC Blurs Trans Rights T-Shirt on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ but Says It’s ‘Standard Practice’ to Cut ‘Overt Branding or Slogans’”
