Strictly Come Dancing Faces Backlash Over Edited T-shirt Slogan

Strictly Come Dancing is facing accusations of censorship after a T-shirt slogan supporting transgender rights was edited out of a rehearsal clip. The BBC show shared a video on social media featuring House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia, 28, wearing a top with the phrase "protect the dolls." However, when the same rehearsal footage was broadcast during Saturday's live show, the slogan had been digitally removed.

The phrase "protect the dolls" is reportedly used to express solidarity with and advocate for the safety and visibility of transgender women. The decision to edit out the slogan sparked immediate backlash on social media platform X, with viewers condemning the move as "outrageous," "shameful," and "cowardly."

One user wrote, "The @bbcstrictly 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." Another commented, "Deeply disappointed. But unfortunately not surprised, the BBC is getting more homophobic and transphobic by the day it seems. The whole country is." A third user stated, "I don't watch Strictly but this is outrageous! F*****g hell. Axe Drag Race and now going out of your way to hide 'Protect The Dolls' message is absolutely unforgivable."

This controversy follows the BBC's recent announcement that RuPaul's Drag Race would be axed after 11 series. The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.

On Saturday night, Antonia and her professional dance partner Nancy Xu performed an American Smooth routine to Sara Bareilles' "Love Song." While judges Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas offered feedback, with Du Beke desiring more "musicality and lyricism" and Ballas praising the "extremely impressive" routine, the duo secured a score of 27 points.

Antonia had previously requested a female dance partner, citing inspiration from Nicola Adams and Katya Jones' partnership in 2020, which she said aided her own coming out journey. "That was life-changing for me - to see my family so supportive of an all-female couple and what that meant," she had said.