BBC edits out pro-trans slogan from Strictly dancer's T-shirt

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 08:00 · Archive

The BBC edited a 'protect the dolls' pro-trans message from Strictly Come Dancing contestant Bethany Antonia's T-shirt during Saturday's show.

The BBC has edited a pro-trans slogan from a T-shirt worn by Strictly Come Dancing contestant Bethany Antonia during Saturday night's training montage. The House of the Dragon actress wore a white shirt reading 'protect the dolls'—an affectionate term for trans women used as a message of solidarity—while rehearsing with partner Nancy Xu for their American Smooth routine.

Viewers spotted that the slogan was blurred out when the shirt was shown on camera, though it remained faintly visible from certain angles. The shirt was designed by London-based designer Connor Ives for his Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, with sales proceeds donated to Trans Lifeline, a North American suicide-prevention charity serving transgender people. The design has previously been worn by celebrities including Pedro Pascal and Troye Sivan.

The BBC said in a statement that it takes 'appropriate steps to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans' as standard practice under its editorial guidelines, regardless of the message. The broadcaster said this applies to all entertainment shows on the BBC.

How it is being reported

• BBC Addresses Claims That Strictly Star's Pro-Trans Message Was Edited Out Of ShowThe BBC has responded to controversy over reports that it censored a pro-trans message displayed on a t-shirt worn by Strictly Come Dancing star Bethany Antonia during a rehearsal. On Saturday night, Bethany performed her third routine with professional partner Nancy Xu , once again sailing through to the next stage of the contest. Before the performance, the House Of The Dragon actor was seen in a pre-recorded video wearing what appeared to be a plain white t-shirt in rehearsals with Nancy. The slogan on Strictly contestant Bethany Antonia's t-shirt could be faintly seen in certain angles…HuffPost UK · 12 Oct, 07:43
• Strictly Come Dancing’s Bethany Antonia’s trans ally T-shirt edited out of show by BBCThe broadcaster has strict editorial guidelines.Metro · 11 Oct, 14:01

In this story: Bethany Antonia · Nancy Xu · BBC · Connor Ives · Trans Lifeline · Strictly Come Dancing

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