STRICTLY, head judge Shirley Ballas’ dress had to be torn off between shows following complaints from an animal rights group.

The Association for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has called on producers to stop using the plumage of birds, often cruelly harvested, on their costumes.

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So the BBC removed ostrich feathers from Shirley’s red dress – without publicly admitting that they were complying with the request.

A TV insider said: “Shirley was shocked by the suddenness of it all and because the pieced outfit was quite glamorous and expensive.

“Shirley changed between airing Saturday’s live show, when she was dressed as Dear for Music Icons Week, and turn on the red number for the start of the results show recording.

“We didn’t have time to change into another outfit and the whole show was running on a tight schedule.

“The wardrobe staff had to quickly make sure there were no feathers.

“Even a fellow judge Motsi Mabuse it was said that he helped ensure their disappearance without a trace.

Feathers often seem 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 Sarah James, executive producer of Strictly, about the treatment of ostriches, peacocks used in the fashion industry.

The Sun on Thursday revealed the group’s demand to throw away the feather boas.

Yvonne Taylor of Peta said in a letter: “Behind every feathered dress on the dance floor is a once-living bird that has been shocked, shot and violently plucked for its plumage.

“Peta insists Strictly Come Dance sticking to fabulous featherless fashions that no one had to die for.

Peta said a investigation in peacock farms in China had found birds in plastic bags taped to their necks to protect their profitable feathers.

This prevented the birds from moving naturally, Peta said. He adds: “Live plucking, which is common, causes immense suffering in birds and sometimes fatal injuries. »

BBC The studios declined to comment on Peta’s request or the removal of feathers from Shirley’s dress.

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