Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas could face questions from BBC bosses after taking part in a cruise ship show that closely mirrors the format of the popular BBC programme. The 65-year-old boarded a seven-day MSC Cruises voyage from Southampton to Norway earlier this month, where she judged a dance competition for guests.
According to reports, Ballas was paid an estimated £10,000 for her participation, which included giving feedback on contestants' footwork and timing — a role identical to her position on the televised show. The cruise line marketed the event as a 'Strictly-style holiday', promising that the TV star would bring her 'energy, style and sparkle'.
The voyage also featured a meet and greet, a dance masterclass, and a question and answer session where Ballas shared backstage stories from the BBC show. She was introduced to the 200-strong crowd accompanied by the show's well-known theme tune, which the Mail on Sunday claims was not approved or licensed by the BBC.
A cruise passenger told the publication: 'It was like watching an episode of Strictly, there were so many similarities.' The BBC's guidelines state that promotional work involving talent must not 'imitate, suggest a reference or connection to or pass off BBC content', nor can it 'suggest BBC endorsement'.
A BBC spokesperson said: 'We have clear guidelines around an individual’s commercial activities while working with the BBC, and they are regularly reminded of these guidelines.' The incident follows a similar case in 2021 when DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles was forced to step away from his role after filming a Shreddies cereal commercial dressed as a builder, which was deemed a breach of his contract.
