Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly investigating three professional dancers over the BBC's strict advertising rules. The popular BBC dancing series is set to return in September. You can find out which celebrities are taking part here.
Professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova, Giovanni Pernice and Kai Widdrington are all said to have accidentally breached commercial guidelines after signing up to dance at Strictly-themed events that aren't affiliated with the BBC. This contradicts the broadcaster's policy, which states: "Actors and artists who perform in BBC output should not appear in promotional work, including advertisements, in a way which mimics or replicates their on-air roles for the BBC.”
It has also been reported that judge Anton Du Beke, who features on the bill with dance partner and former Strictly pro Erin Boag, has come under fire too. Last year, DIY SOS' Nick Knowles got in trouble for similar circumstances. You can read more about that here.
According to The Sun, all of the dancers have featured on travel firm Donahey’s 'Dancing With The Stars Weekends’. The adverts for the event promise guests that they will “see the stars of Strictly Come Dancing perform up close and personal for a truly intimate experience unlike any other — learn to dance with them, plus hear all about their Strictly journeys". Their website confirms, however, that the events have not been endorsed or are associated with the BBC.
A source told the publication: "As a publicly-funded corporation, the BBC has to be careful with its commercial guidelines but there is a clear grey area when it comes to performers."
They also added that dancers being booked to perform at private events wasn't the same as them "mimicking a scene for an advert". The BBC have yet to comment on the situation. For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
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