STRICTLY head judge Shirley Ballas’s dress had to be plucked of feathers between shows after complaints from an animal rights group. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called on producers to stop using bird plumage, often cruelly harvested, on costumes. So the BBC took ostrich feathers off Shirley’s red gown — without publicly conceding they were complying with the demand.
A TV insider said: “ Shirley was shocked by the suddenness of it all and because the outfit pulled to bits was quite glamorous and expensive. “Shirley changed between the broadcast of Saturday’s live show, when she was dressed as Cher for Music Icons Week, and put on the red number for the start of recording the results show. “There wasn’t time to change into another outfit and the whole show is run to a tight schedule.
READ MORE ON STRICTLY “Wardrobe assistants had to quickly ensure there were no feathers. “Even fellow judge Motsi Mabuse was said to be helping ensure they’d disappeared without a trace.” Feathers often appear to be used in Strictly costumes including those worn this year by Miranda star Sarah Hadland, EastEnders ’ Jamie Borthwick and Montell Douglas, aka Gladiator’s Fire.
Last week Peta wrote to Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James about the treatment of ostriches, peacocks used in the fashion industry. Most read in News TV Thursday’s Sun revealed the group’s request to bin feather boas. Peta’s Yvonne Taylor said in a letter: “Behind every.
