BBC Blurs Trans Rights T-Shirt on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ but Says It’s ‘Standard Practice’ to Cut ‘Overt Branding or Slogans’

The BBC confirmed that it blurred out a transgender rights slogan on a T-shirt worn by Bethany Antonia, the “House of the Dragon” star currently competing on the competition series “Strictly Come Dancing.”

In a video posted by the BBC on social media last week, Antonia was seen rehearsing for the British version of “Dancing With the Stars” in a white top that read: “Protect the Dolls.” But on the television broadcast that aired on Saturday, Antonia’s T-shirt had been censored, appearing to be all white.

A BBC spokesperson told Variety in a statement: “As is standard practice on any entertainment show on the BBC and in line with our editorial guidelines, appropriate steps are taken to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question.”

The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt was designed by Conner Ives, who debuted it during London Fashion Week in 2025. The shirt went viral and was worn by a number of celebrities, with most of the proceeds donated to the Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit group and crisis hotline. (“Dolls” is an affectionate moniker among the LGBTQ community for trans women.)

Antonia did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.

The actress, who plays Lady Baela Targaryen on the “Game of Thrones” spinoff series, is paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu on “Strictly Come Dancing,” which airs on Saturdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. “Gavin & Stacey” actress Melanie Walters was eliminated from the competition over the weekend.