Strictly’s Bethany Antonia admits she was ‘devastated’ BBC cut Protect The Dolls top
Bethany Antonia has said she was ‘devastated’ the BBC edited out her T-shirt (BBC/Ray Burmiston/BBC Creative)
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Bethany Antonia has admitted she was “devastated” that the BBC censored her ‘Protect The Dolls’ T-shirt, after previously saying they “had to do what they had to do”.
The House of the Dragon star wore one of designer Connor Ives’ ‘Protect The Dolls’ slogan shirts during training for Strictly, but viewers noticed the message had been digitally scrubbed from the clip aired on the live broadcast.
Speaking to Gaydio, Antonia, who is partnered with Nancy Xu, said: “Personally, I felt devastated.
“To me, support for the trans community is not something that’s up for discussion, and not something that’s up for editing or not something that’s up for being hidden.”
She explained that she did not realise the charity link behind the shirt, and that she feared she would be perceived to be supportive of the edit.
Antonia went on: “I think there’s never been a more frustrating time to be a queer person working with a company that has these beliefs, if I’m very honest.
“To me, the T-shirt is no different to wearing the poppy. And I think I’m going to have to spend a lot of time trying to get my head around that decision. But there’s only so much you can do from the inside when you’re in this environment.”
She added that she “felt no sympathy or understanding” for the BBC’s decision.
The BBC responds
The BBC said: “The BBC has previously stated that its editorial guidelines advise against badges, flags, emblems, symbols, and clothing with obvious branding or slogans being visible during filming. It stated that decisions on edits are made between programme makers and the BBC.”
They previously said: “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.”
What is ‘Protect The Dolls’?
“Protect The Dolls” T-shirts have become a staple among trans ally celebs, as well as the wider LGBTQ+ community, to show support to transgender people – or “dolls”, which is a positive slang term for a trans woman which originated in the 1980s Ballroom scene.
Fashion designer Connor Ives created the T-shirt – a plain white tee with the slogan in a black font – and debuted it at his London Fashion Week show in February 2025.
The sales of the shirts raise money for charity, with more than $600,000 being raised for Trans Lifeline.
The likes of Pedro Pascal, Madonna and Troye Sivan have been pictured in the shirts.
In March 2026, Ives collaborated with MAC’s Viva Glam line to release a black version of the shirt, with the campaign saying it would “give back 100% to charities advancing trans equality and health futures for all”.
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