BBC Edits Trans Rights Slogan From Strictly Footage

The BBC edited a transgender rights slogan from footage of actor Bethany Antonia’s Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal shown on Saturday, after she wore a T-shirt displaying Protect the Dolls before her live performance. The broadcaster said the change followed editorial guidelines on slogans and branding.

Antonia, known for playing Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon, was shown rehearsing with professional partner Nancy Xu in footage where the shirt appeared plain white. Earlier social media footage shared by the BBC showed the same rehearsal with the slogan visible.

The slogan supports transgender women and originated in the ballroom scene, according to Sky News. The shirt was designed by Conner Ives, costs £75, and proceeds from sales are donated to UK trans charity Not A Phase.

The BBC said the editing was part of its wider approach to clothing messages on entertainment programs.

"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," a BBC spokesperson said.

The broadcaster has previously altered visible clothing messages in other programs. The BBC blurred a shirt supporting Jeremy Corbyn in 2017 and edited a trans rights message on clothing worn by Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson in 2024.

"In order to include Clean Bandit’s message in a montage of well-wishing clips, the T-shirt was blurred," a BBC spokesperson said.

Footage of Antonia’s rehearsal also drew attention because the slogan had been visible in promotional material before the broadcast. The phrase Protect the Dolls has also appeared on clothing worn by public figures including Pedro Pascal, Tilda Swinton, and Troye Sivan.

"Protect the Dolls," the slogan shown on the T-shirt, refers to support for transgender women, who are known as dolls in parts of the LGBTQ+ community.

The BBC’s response followed criticism from some viewers and LGBTQ+ community members after the edit was noticed. Antonia has not publicly commented on the change, while her representatives were contacted for a response.