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  "path": "/celebrity/bbc-shirley-ballas-strictly-come-dancing-cruise-theme-investigation-controversey",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-16T08:35:33.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Love Island star Kaz Kamwi questions cancel culture: 'Do people actually get cancelled?'",
    "Taylor Swift breaks down in tears after marathon 21-minute Songwriters Hall of Fame speech",
    "BBC confirms third Strictly star as global music icon signs up",
    "Giovanni Pernice",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nBBC Studios has opened an investigation into Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas following her participation in an unauthorised dance-themed cruise event last month.\n\nThe 65-year-old allegedly received more than £10,000 for appearing on an MSC Cruises voyage that closely mimicked the popular Saturday night programme.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAccording to insiders, BBC executives are \"absolutely furious\" about the situation, with one source telling the Daily Mail that Ms Ballas \"should not have done what she did\" as it \"has enraged bosses.\"\n\nThe seven-night trip departed Southampton on May 9, sailing through the Norwegian Fjords aboard MSC Virtuosa.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDuring the voyage, the dancer is said to have judged a passenger talent competition, delivered dance masterclasses, and taken part in a question-and-answer session with fans.\n\nShe was photographed holding a distinctive scoring paddle while offering critiques of contestants' footwork and timing, closely mirroring her television persona.\n\nThe cruise company allegedly used elements from the BBC programme, including its theme tune, during the onboard contest.\n\nMs Ballas is said to have worn a diamante suit that had been designed specifically for her appearances on the Saturday night show.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nOne passenger told the Daily Mail the experience was \"like watching an episode of Strictly,\" noting \"there were so many similarities.\"\n\nThe BBC has contacted MSC Cruises regarding their use of Strictly branding for the trip, with a press release originally published on the company's website now removed.\n\nA BBC spokesperson told Metro: \"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.\"\n\nThe statement added: \"We have clear guidelines around an individual's commercial activities while working with the BBC, and they are regularly reminded of these guidelines.\"\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Love Island star Kaz Kamwi questions cancel culture: 'Do people actually get cancelled?'\n  * Taylor Swift breaks down in tears after marathon 21-minute Songwriters Hall of Fame speech\n  * BBC confirms third Strictly star as global music icon signs up\\\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSources claim Ms Ballas was \"hauled before chiefs\" and asked to explain her involvement, with insiders describing Strictly as the broadcaster's \"crown jewel\" that they will \"do whatever is available to them to protect.\"\n\nThe dancer has not directly addressed the controversy but appeared to brush off the row with a smiley update on social media.\n\nThe ballroom legend posted an image on Instagram showing herself in an ice bath with the caption: \"3 minutes and I was freezing, but I'm still smiling.\" (sic)\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe head judge has served on the Strictly panel since 2017, making her one of the programme's longest-serving judges alongside Craig Revel Horwood.\n\nThe situation echoes a 2021 incident involving DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, who faced similar scrutiny after appearing in a Shreddies advertisement dressed as a builder, which the BBC deemed a breach of contract.\n\nThat matter was eventually resolved, and Mr Knowles returned to work.\n\nThis is not the first time Ms Ballas has been at odds with BBC management over public conduct.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn July 2024, during the broadcaster’s internal misconduct investigation into former Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice, Ms Ballas allegedly clashed with executives after being reminded to “rein in” public comments to protect the integrity of the process.\n\nGB News has reached out to the BBC and Ms Ballas for comment.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Shirley Ballas brushes off latest BBC Strictly row after 'facing wrath of bosses' following dance show-themed cruise gig"
}