BBC Strictly set to make major change to series over ‘cruelty’ concerns: ‘Unlikely going forward’
Strictly Come Dancing will ban real feathers from its costumes starting in 2025, following pressure from animal rights campaigners Peta over cruelty concerns.
The BBC dancing competition has confirmed the move as part of changes being implemented for its 2025 edition.
The show, known for its bright and colourful costumes, has been gradually moving away from using real feathers over recent seasons.
The decision comes after Peta highlighted concerns about animal welfare in the feather industry, where birds are subjected to cruel treatment for their plumage.
Executive Producer Sarah James confirmed the show’s commitment to the change, stating: “It’s unlikely we will reuse them at all going forward.”
The move aligns Strictly with other major fashion brands like Stella McCartney and Victoria’s Secret, who have already committed to avoiding real feathers due to ethical concerns.
The decision follows a recent incident where head judge Shirley Ballas wore a gown that required feathers to be plucked out midway through the show.
A source told The Sun that while Ballas loved the outfit, assistants had to quickly remove visible feathers before returning to the camera due to timing constraints.
Peta Vice President Yvonne Taylor praised the decision, stating: “Behind every feather fashion item is a once-living bird who was shocked, slaughtered, and violently plucked for their plumage.”
“Peta applauds Strictly Come Dancing for putting its best foot forward and quickstepping cruelly obtained feathers off the show,” she added.
The organisation expressed excitement about seeing the exclusively faux feather costumes that will be unveiled in 2025.
Peta has requested that the show’s existing feathers be donated to their amnesty campaign, where they would be used for educational displays at fashion colleges and protests.
According to Peta, birds in the feather industry endure severe mistreatment. In their natural habitat, ostriches can live for more than 40 years and form strong social bonds.
However, in some parts of the industry, workers forcibly restrain ostriches as young as one year old, electrically stun them, and slit their throats before removing feathers from their bodies.
Other birds face similar conditions, with peacocks, pheasants, emus, turkeys, and chickens reportedly living in crowded farms and experiencing painful deaths for their feathers to be used in fashion.
The donated feathers from Strictly will be used by Peta for educational purposes at fashion colleges and in their campaign activities.
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Bill Bailey described the trophy as being the same size of a “grapefruit”, whilst Ore Oduba noted that he only got to hold the trophy for a matter of seconds.