Strictly embroiled in censorship row after editing out House Of The Dragon star Bethany Antonia's T-shirt slogan in support of trans rights

Oct 12, 2026 - 13:10

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Strictly embroiled in censorship row after editing out House Of The Dragon star Bethany Antonia's T-shirt slogan in support of trans rights

By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR

Published: 09:44 BST, 12 October 2026 | Updated: 10:01 BST, 12 October 2026

Strictly Come Dancing has become embroiled in a censorship row after they edited out Bethany Antonia's T-shirt slogan that is in support of trans rights.

The BBC show had shared a clip from rehearsals on social media on Friday of the House Of The Dragon actress, 28, wearing the top which had the phrase 'protect the dolls' on the front.

However, when the rehearsals were shown during the video tape on Saturday's live show, it had been edited out.

The slogan is used to show solidarity, support and a demand for safety and visibility for transgender women.

Furious fans took to X, calling the decision to blur out the slogan 'outrageous'.

They wrote: 'The @bbcstrictly decision to digitally scrub the “Protect the Dolls” slogan from Bethany Antonia’s T-shirt during Strictly Come Dancing is a shameful and cowardly act of censorship.

Strictly Come Dancing has become embroiled in a censorship row after they edited out Bethany Antonia's T-shirt slogan in support of trans rights

The House Of The Dragon actress, 28, had worn the top which had the phrase 'protect the dolls' on the front. However on Saturday's live show (pictured), it had been edited out

'Deeply disappointed. But unfortunately not surprised, the BBC is getting more homophobic and transphobic by the day it seems. The whole country is.'

'I don't watch Strictly but this is outrageous! F*****g hell. Axe Drag Race and now going out of your way to hide 'Protect The Dolls' message is absolutely unforgivable.'

Last month it was announced that the BBC had axed RuPaul's Drag Race after 11 series.

The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.

On Saturday night, Bethany and her professional partner Nancy Xu, 35, performed the American Smooth to Love Song by Sara Bareilles.

Anton 'enjoyed it enormously' but wanted a tad more 'musicality and lyricism', while Shirley praised the 'extremely impressive' routine that they should both be 'proud' of.

And the duo would certainly have been proud of their scores as they bagged themselves 27 points.

Bethany had requested a female dance partner after she was inspired by Nicola Adams and Katya Jones' coupling in 2020 as they helped with her coming out journey.

'That was life-changing for me - to see my family so supportive of an all-female couple and what that meant,' she said previously.

Nancy missed out on a partner last year so is delighted to be back in the competition once again.

Furious fans took to X, calling the decision to blur out the slogan 'outrageous'

On Saturday night, Bethany performed the American Smooth to Love Song by Sara Bareilles.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER

AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC's EastEnders

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I'm so excited and terrified at the same time but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.'

DELTA GOODREM

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career - from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!'

CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!'

DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain's most successful Paralympian

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.'

BETHANY ANTONIA

AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.'

GRAEME 'THE DOGFATHER' HALL

AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!'

TABBY STOECKER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!'

MELANIE WALTERS

AGE: 64

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.'

DANI DYER

AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!'

CHRIS APPLETON

AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars - including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.'

WILL BEST

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!'

JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.'

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS

AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!'