Shirley Ballas ‘could face wrath of BBC’ after creating cruise ship performance identical to Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has reportedly risked being in trouble with BBC bosses for taking part in a cruise ship show that seemed identical to the BBC ballroom show
Shirley Ballas took part in a Strictly-style cruise ship show earlier this month(Image: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing is by far one of the most watched TV shows in the UK, attracting millions of viewers every week. So it’s perhaps no surprise that a cruise ship would want to replicate its winning formula for its guests.
But it has now been reported that lead judge Shirley Ballas could risk the wrath of BBC bosses after agreeing to take part in a cruise ship performance, almost identical to the format of the BBC show.
According to reports, the former ballroom champion was paid an estimated £10,000 to board the seven-day cruise from Southampton to Norway, where guests were treated to a dance competition, judged by Shirley.
It has been reported that the 65-year-old gave feedback of the contestants footwork and dance timing, which is no different to her role on the televised show, that she judges alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse.
Shirley Ballas took part in a Strictly-style cruise ship show earlier this month(Image: BBC)
The Mail on Sunday claims that MSC Cruises, used Shirley’s Strictly profile to market the event, describing it as a “Strictly-style holiday” and promised guests the TV star would bring her “energy, style and sparkle.”
The voyage also reportedly offered guests a meet and greet, a dance masterclass and a question and answer session where she provided guests with backstage stories from the BBC show.
She was apparently also introduced to the 200-strong crowd accompanied by the well known theme tune, which the publication claims was not approved or “licensed by the BBC.”
According to the outlet, the BBC’s guidelines make clear that promotional work involving the talent are not allowed to “imitate, suggest a reference or connection to or pass off BBC content”.
This allegedly includes “replicating any editorial elements of a programme” and can not “suggest BBC endorsement.” During her time on the voyage, it has been claimed that Shirley was allowed to stay in a luxury suite.
“It was like watching an episode of Strictly, there were so many similarities,” a cruise goer reportedly told the publication.
A BBC spokesperson added: “We have clear guidelines around an individual’s commercial activities while working with the BBC, and they are regularly reminded of these guidelines.”
This comes after DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles was forced to step away from his role in 2021 after he filmed a commercial for Shreddies cereal dressed as a builder.
At the time, it was claimed that he was in breach of his contract. Nick returned to his show once the advert’s schedule had run its course.
