Strictly Come Dancing professional Alexis Warr has reportedly caused a stir amongst her fans after she placed "exclusive content" behind an OnlyFans-style paywall on her Instagram account. According to The Sun, the 26-year-old ballroom dancer, who joined the show last year with YouTuber George Clarke, is now charging fans £4.99 a month for behind-the-scenes content that could get her in trouble with BBC bosses.
Backstage Access Now Paid
The shows usually share snaps and clips of their training sessions and backstage prep on the social media platform for free. These backstage clips are key to keeping viewers engaged with the show and building excitement for the weekend shows over the reality show. However, the broadcaster's rule states that promotional work involving licence fee-funded talent must not "imitate, suggest a reference or connection to or pass off BBC content."
Stars must also declare commercial interests linked to shows they take part in. Now, a button on her Instagram account has appeared, inviting fans to "Subscribe". It does not explicitly state if this will include Strictly content - which could break BBC rules - or non-dance related posts.
Fan Frustration
Shortly after the new feature was added, viewers flocked to social media to share their frustrations online. One user penned: "I love looking through the pros stories on Instagram. I looked at Alexis, and there was nothing there."
But there is a message. If I subscribe, give payment details, I can have exclusive stories. I voted for Alexis and George, and I think she was a lovely, talented addition, but blowed if I am going to pay."
It comes after it was reported last month that head judge Shirley Ballas was told off for recreating elements of the dance show on a cruise. The BBC previously said stars were "regularly reminded" of the rules.
BBC Response
A Strictly spokesperson said at the time: "We have clear guidelines around Strictly talent's commercial activities while working with the BBC, and this does not contravene those."
The news comes days after Strictly power couple James and Ola Jordan announced their separation after 22 years of marriage. The 48-year-old ballroom dancer and his former dance partner, 43, reportedly told friends that they could no longer make their relationship work. They are the latest married couple to fall for the show's dreaded relationship curse just weeks before the show returns for a major reboot.
The couple first started dating back in 1999 when they met at a dance competition in Blackpool and were due to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary in a matter of weeks. But their close friends have informed the outlet that their romance has "come to a head" and that the doting parents, who share daughter Ella, are devastated by the outcome.
A source told The Sun: "It's been a huge shock to their friends and family because they always seemed like such a solid couple. But they know in the long run it's the right decision. They have been together for almost 30 years, and while they love and care for each other, things have changed."
