The BBC has responded after Strictly Come Dancing viewers spotted that footage of Bethany Antonia had been edited, with the removal of a t-shirt slogan described as “shameful” and “cowardly”.
During Saturday night's show, a clip aired of Bethany wearing a top with “PROTECT THE DOLLS” written on it as viewers watched her during rehearsals. Later in the broadcast, the words had been removed, making the t-shirt appear plain white.
Slogan's origins and celebrity support
The phrase “Protect The Dolls” is a pro-trans slogan first written on a top by fashion designer Conner Ives in 2025. It has since been worn by celebrities and has helped raise hundreds of thousands for charities. The term traces back to the 1980s Black and Latina underground ballroom scene in New York City, where “doll” was used as a term of solidarity for transgender women.
On X, users reacted with anger. One said: “After posting a video, the BBC quietly replaced it with a new one that doesn’t show her from the front. During the show, they actually blurred out the T-Shirt completely. Absolutely despicable.”
BBC's response
A BBC spokesperson said: “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.”
That did not stop further criticism online. One viewer said: “Ironically the phrase originated in the ballroom scene decades ago. It’s genuinely pathetic that the BBC refuses to allow anything remotely pro-trans to air. Love Bethany even more though.”
Another fumed: “The decision to digitally scrub the ‘Protect the Dolls’ slogan from Bethany Antonia’s T-shirt during Strictly Come Dancing is a shameful and cowardly act of censorship.”
Stars including Madonna and Mariah Carey have been spotted wearing the shirt, raising money for British trans charity Not A Phase. A slogan shirt worn on Strictly by actress Jaime Winstone had already been blurred by the BBC earlier this series.
Other Strictly developments
Melanie Walters became the second celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday evening. The judges were divided, with Motsi choosing to save Melanie while Craig and Shirley picked Shaun, meaning deciding judge Anton had to intervene and chose Shaun.
In a since-deleted post, Cach Mercer appeared to leak the results on Instagram, posting over an hour before the results show began. Some co-stars voiced support for Melanie, with Lacey Turner saying: “We love you Mel!” Pro dancer Lauren Oakley added: “Beautiful lady, beautiful dancer. I will miss you.”
