THE BBC has launched a probe after Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas was paid more than £10,000 to star in a luxury cruise firm’s unofficial version of the show. The host allegedly recreated the glitz and glamour of Strictly without securing permission from the Beeb.
MSC Cruises used parts of the show, including its theme tune, in a contest judged by the 65-year-old, the Daily Mail reports.
She is said to have 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 has now launched a probe into Ballas, it is understood.
An insider said: “The BBC are absolutely furious. Shirley should not have done what she did – it has enraged bosses.
“She was hauled before chiefs and asked to explain what happened.
“Strictly is considered a crown jewel. They will do whatever to protect it.”
The source added that Shirley was asked to spell out to them what her “participation” in the events onboard the boat were.
The seven-night cruise sailed from Southampton on May 9 through the Norwegian Fjords.
Onboard, Shirley is said to have hosted a dance masterclass, attended a Q&A session with fans, and even judged a passenger talent show.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining MSC Cruises on May 9 for some world-class cruising, stunning scenery and a bit of added sparkle on board,” Shirley said in a statement in February.
Shirley could potentially be in trouble with her bosses at the BBC as the public broadcaster does not allow personalities to earn outside income.
Generally, BBC personalities must declare any external earnings to them.
The Beeb then publishes the declarations on its website for the public to read as a measure “promote the highest standards of impartiality.”
But Shirley is likely exempt from that policy as she is not hired directly by the BBC, but rather BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the broadcaster which produces Strictly.
All of Strictly‘s hosts and judges are hired via BBC Studios production company, including the incoming new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Shirley, 65, confessed to The Sun last month that the announcement even came as a surprise to her as she was expecting only two new names to be revealed.
“I met Josh for the first time this week, he’s a charming chap,” Shirley said.
“Emma, of course, I did Cooking With The Stars with – that’s a seasoned presenter and just a gorgeous lady.
“And who doesn’t love some Johannes? We all love him.
“It’s going to be interesting because we thought we were getting two but we ended up with three.
“But the chemistry between Emma and Josh, I’m told, is off the charts.
“So let’s see.”
Shirley also confirmed five new professional dancers are joining the show after a brutal cull saw the likes of Nayida Bychkova and Karen Hauer axed.
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.”
