Strictly judge’s outfit ‘pulled to bits’ after outrage from animal rights group

Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas was forced to make a last-minute outfit change, it’s been claimed, amid backlash from an animal rights group.

The head judge, 64, had been wearing a dress full of red feathers, which reportedly had to be plucked between shows after complaints about the use of animal products on the programme.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) previously called on BBC producers to go feather-free, writing: ‘We love the dazzling performances Strictly Come Dancing brings to our screens, but we have a major concern: the series’ use of feathers. On the heels of a recent flurry of feathered ensembles hitting the stage, PETA is cutting in.’

The charity urged the beloved programme to cut ‘violently obtained material out of its wardrobe department’, with a statement reading: ‘Hey @bbcstrictly! We LOVE the dazzling dances you’re bringing to our screens. How about quickstepping away from cruelty and foxtrotting to faux-feathers for your costumes?’

They added: ‘Come on, @bbcstrictly, do the right thing. Feathers are gory, not glamourous.’

It’s now been claimed Shirley’s outfit was adapted at the last minute, with The Sun reporting that the BBC took ostrich feathers off her red gown.

A source told the publication: ‘Shirley was shocked by the suddenness of it all and because the outfit pulled to bits was quite glamorous and expensive.

‘Shirley changed between the broadcast of Saturday’s live show, when she was dressed as Cher for Music Icons Week, and put on the red number for the start of recording the results show.

‘There wasn’t time to change into another outfit and the whole show is run to a tight schedule.

‘Wardrobe assistants had to quickly ensure there were no feathers.

‘Even fellow judge Motsi Mabuse was said to be helping ensure they’d disappeared without a trace.’

The publication also obtained a letter sent by Peta to BBC exec Sarah James, which reportedly said: ‘Behind every feathered frock on the dancefloor is a once-living bird who was shocked, slaughtered, and violently plucked for their plumage.

‘Peta urges Strictly Come Dancing to stick to fabulous feather-free fashions that no one had to die for.’

Shirley has yet to speak out about the claims, though she has taken to X to hit back at trolling against her judging skills.

The dancer has been subjected to social media abuse before, previously saying the negative remarks from those watching at home had left her at an ‘all-time low’ after she was sent thousands of ‘truly awful’ messages about decisions she made when sending contestants home.

After a comment on X in which one viewer accused the judges of ‘not marking properly’ which led to ‘the wrong people in the dance off and the wrong couple going home’, Shirley clarified: ‘The show has been on over twenty years the public vote makes a difference. You the public can vote to save your favourites. It gets childish to always blame the judges.’

As another troll wrote: ‘How do we vote to eliminate Shirley next week,’ Shirley hit back with: ‘Thank you. Vote vote vote lol.’

Metro has approached the BBC and Shirley’s rep for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.