Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones has reportedly been warned by BBC bosses over a potential rule break after promoting a smart mirror using her Strictly fame.
Promotion of smart mirror
Katya works with Magic.fit, which sells an AI-powered "smart mirror". As part of its offerings, it allows users to take part in personalised workouts, including a special one with Katya that lets people follow her step-by-step guide.
The promotion promises that fans of the BBC show can be "Strictly trained in the comfort of your own home". In the advert, Katya says: "Ever wondered what it’s like to train with a Strictly professional?" as she demonstrates dance moves in the mirror.
Reminder of BBC rules
She has now been spoken to and reminded of the rules by bosses, which state that stars of the show are not allowed to use the BBC programme or format for their own gain through commercial activities.
"There is no problem with Katya having commercial deals, but there are strict rules around using Strictly and the BBC brand to make money. The wording was pretty blatant," a source told The Sun. "She was effectively selling people the chance to train with a Strictly professional, at exactly the time Strictly is back on television. She has been reminded of the rules and told she needs to be much more careful."
A BBC Studios spokesperson told The Mirror: "We have clear guidelines around Strictly talent's commercial activities while working with the BBC, and we regularly remind contributors of their obligations in this area."
Related incident and response
Katya was also caught apparently mouthing 'fit' about her co-star Lawrence Robb, but she has since texted former Strictly star and friend Ed Balls to say she had actually mouthed the word 'fierce'.
On Tuesday's edition of Good Morning Britain, Ed spoke out on the matter and revealed that Katya had sent him a text message explaining the truth. He said: "I said yesterday it was pretty clear she [Katya] said ‘he’s fit’. In my heart of hearts I still think that, but she sent me a WhatsApp and it said `I said fierce.’ Katya has always told me the unvarnished truth so it must be true."
