Shirley Ballas, head judge on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has been reportedly reprimanded by the corporation after being paid £10,000 to recreate a Strictly-style event on an MSC Cruises ship without permission. The 65-year-old was invited on a seven-day cruise from Southampton to Norway, where she received a free luxury suite.
During the trip, billed as a 'Strictly-style holiday', Ballas judged a dance competition, gave feedback on footwork and timing, and hosted a meet-and-greet, dance masterclass, and Q&A session. She was introduced to the 200-strong crowd accompanied by the Strictly theme tune, which was not licensed by the BBC.
A source told the Daily Mail that the BBC was 'absolutely furious' and that Ballas was 'hauled before the chiefs' and 'read the riot act' about commercial activity guidelines. The BBC's guidelines prohibit talent from imitating or suggesting a connection to BBC content without permission.
BBC Studios stated: 'Certain use of programme IP without permission risks confusing audiences... Where we identify such use, appropriate steps are taken to prevent it happening again.' A BBC spokesperson added that clear guidelines exist around commercial activities and that individuals are regularly reminded of them.
The Mirror has approached representatives for Ballas and MSC Cruises for comment.
