BBC launches probe into Shirley Ballas after luxury cruise company paid her more than
The BBC has launched a probe into Strictly host Shirley Ballas and a luxury cruise company that paid her more than £10,000 to recreate the programme without permission.
MSC Cruises used elements of the show including the theme tune in a contest judged by Ms Ballas – who even used the famous paddle to reveal the scores.
She delivered critiques of footwork and timing, mirroring her on-air persona, and donned a diamante suit designed for her to wear on the Saturday night show.
BBC Studios, which makes Strictly, last night confirmed it had been in touch with MSC Cruises.
Daily Mail understands they have reprimanded Ms Ballas, who was asked about her extra-curricular work and ‘read the riot act’ about commercial activity guidelines while working with the BBC.
An insider said: ‘The BBC are absolutely furious. Shirley should not have done what she did – it has enraged the bosses. She was hauled before the chiefs and asked to explain what happened.
‘Strictly is considered a crown jewel. They will do whatever is available to them to protect it.
‘Shirley has also been spoken to by senior bosses about her participation in the activities on board. It is baffling how a multi-million pound company with its own legal team did not think of the repercussions for using the Strictly branding without prior permission from the BBC.’
Shirley Ballas took part in a cruise ship version of the show for company MSC, even raising a Strictly-style score paddle while on board
BBC Studios, which makes Strictly Come Dancing, said it had reprimanded Shirley Ballas after her appearance on a cruise ship version of the show
Last month the Daily Mail told how MSC had hired Ms Ballas for the Strictly-themed voyage from Southampton to Norway.
In its marketing, it billed it as a ‘Strictly-style holiday’, promising guests a chance to experience Ms Ballas’ ‘energy, style and sparkle’ at sea.
Among other activities were a dance masterclass, Q&A session where Ms Ballas shared behind-the-scenes stories from Strictly and a meet-and-greet with her.
Ms Ballas was also given a luxury suite on the ship for free.
BBC guidelines state promotional work involving licence fee-funded talent must not ‘imitate, suggest a reference or connection to or pass off BBC content’.
Stars must declare commercial interests linked to shows they present.
A BBC Studios spokesperson said: ‘Certain use of programme IP without permission risks confusing audiences – and may give the impression that the BBC has endorsed activity when it hasn’t.
‘Where we identify such use, appropriate steps are taken to prevent it happening again. Any profit generated from the approved commercial use of our IP is reinvested into the BBC, supporting high-quality content for licence fee payers.’