Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has reportedly been reprimanded by the BBC after being paid £10,000 to recreate a Strictly-style show aboard a cruise ship without the broadcaster's permission.
Details of the Incident
The 65-year-old was invited on a seven-day cruise from Southampton to Norway by MSC Cruises, where she was provided with a luxury suite free of charge. The trip was billed as a 'Strictly-style holiday', offering guests the chance to experience Shirley's 'energy, style and sparkle' at sea. During the voyage, guests participated in a dance competition judged by Ballas, who provided feedback on footwork and timing, mirroring her role on the televised show.
Activities on Board
The cruise included a meet-and-greet with Shirley, a dance masterclass, and a Q&A session where she shared backstage stories from the BBC programme. She was introduced to the 200-strong crowd to the iconic Strictly theme tune, which was reportedly not approved or licensed by the BBC.
BBC's Response
According to reports in the Daily Mail, the BBC contacted the cruise company and reprimanded Ballas, reminding her of commercial activity guidelines. A source stated: 'The BBC are absolutely furious. Shirley should not have done what she did – it has enraged the bosses. She was hauled before the chiefs and asked to explain what happened.' The source added: 'Strictly is considered a crown jewel. They will do whatever is available to them to protect it.'
Guidelines Violated
The BBC's guidelines prohibit talent from engaging in promotional work that 'imitates, suggests a reference or connection to, or passes off BBC content', including replicating editorial elements of a programme. A cruise attendee reportedly commented: 'It was like watching an episode of Strictly, there were so many similarities.'
Official Statements
BBC Studios, which produces Strictly, told the Mirror: 'Certain use of programme IP without permission risks confusing audiences – and may give the impression that the BBC has endorsed activity when it hasn't. Where we identify such use, appropriate steps are taken to prevent it happening again.' A BBC spokesperson added: 'We have clear guidelines around an individual's commercial activities while working with the BBC, and they are regularly reminded of these guidelines.' The Mirror has also approached representatives for Shirley Ballas and MSC Cruises for comment.
