BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas forced to make change after 'suddenness of backlash'

Fresh BBC Strictly Come Dancing drama has broken out - as head judge Shirley Ballas was forced to make a frantic change after a furious activist group backlash. The BBC head judge returned to Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called on producers to stop using bird plumage on outfits and costumes last week. And the Beeb have taken ostrich feathers off Shirley’s red gown, as she appeared on the show for the latest round of judging.

A TV insider said: “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.

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“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.”

Peta wrote to Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James last week, calling for change. Peta’s Yvonne Taylor said in a letter: “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.” It added: “Live plucking, which is common, causes birds immense pain and sometimes fatal injuries.” It came as Sam Quek was voted off the show on Sunday night.

"Well that was disappointing. Sam was a great contestant. She really embodied the spirit of Strictly. I think Montell has more to give, she could make the final," one Twitter/X user wrote. A second said: “Not a surprise, and of course Mojo shouldn’t have been in the dance-off, but I am gutted to lose Sam and Nikita.

"Love, love, love Nikita’s tenderness, and Sam is just gorgeous.”