BBC hit with 206 complaints after Strictly blurs ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-shirt
Bethany Antonia’s ‘Protect The Dolls’ slogan was edited out (BBC)
The BBC has received more than 200 complaints after Strictly Come Dancing edited out the “Protect The Dolls” slogan on Bethany Antonia’s T-shirt in rehearsal footage shown during a live episode.
During a rehearsal clip shown on Strictly, Antonia, 28, wore a top with the phrase clearly visible. The BBC shared the rehearsal footage on social media, but when it aired during a live show earlier this month, the slogan had been blurred.
Now, according to Daily Mail, 206 people complained to Ofcom about the removal of the slogan.
Antonia addressed the backlash speaking to Digital Spy, saying: “I think I made a choice to wear that T-shirt without considering the fact that it was linked to a charity, and that it was linked to what some people consider a brand.”
She added: “The BBC had to do what they had to do when they edited it out, to keep it fair for everybody.”
Antonia also stressed her support for trans people, saying: “I stand with my trans family in every way, and they knew what I was thinking when I wore that T-shirt. And that’s all that matters.”
Why did Strictly blur the ‘Protect the Dolls’ slogan?
A BBC spokesperson said at the time: “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.”
The phrase “Protect the Dolls” is widely used in queer and trans communities, with the shirt, created by designer Connor Ives, raising hundreds of thousands for trans charities since it launched in February 2025.
A number of other famous faces – notably Pedro Pascal – have also been pictured wearing the shirt.
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