Strictly Come Dancing probing stars’ dance weekends that ‘break BBC rules’

STRICTLY chiefs have started a probe after dancers appeared to fall foul of strict BBC advertising rules.

Performers including Nadiya Bychkova, Giovanni Pernice and Kai Widdrington may have stumbled by agreeing to dance at parties which mimic the show.

The Strictly-themed events across the country are not affiliated with the Beeb.

Judge Anton Du Beke may have unwittingly breached the commercial guidelines too by featuring on the bill with former pro Erin Boag.

Question marks also hang over three other show stars — Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer — also booked to appear.

BBC policy states: “Actors and artists who perform in BBC output should not appear in promotional work, including advertisements, in a way which mimics or replicates their on-air roles for the BBC.”

In the past presenters Nick Knowles and Stacey Dooley breached rules and were punished by the Beeb.

The dancers all feature prominently on a travel firm’s ads for ‘Dancing With The Stars Weekends’.

Organisers Donahey’s tout three-night breaks at resorts such as Alton Towers and Celtic Manor for £500.

They promise guests will “see the stars of Strictly Come Dancing perform up close and personal for a truly intimate experience unlike any other — learn to dance with them, plus hear all about their Strictly journeys.”

Its website states the events are not endorsed by or associated with the BBC — but the pages feature a version of the famous glitterball and mimic the same purple branding of the show.

It Takes Two spin-off host Janette Manrara is also booked to appear with dancer hubby Aljaz Skorjanec, who has quit Strictly so is free of the Beeb’s ties.

A source said: “As a publicly-funded corporation, the BBC has to be careful with its commercial guidelines but there is a clear grey area when it comes to performers.

“The dancers being booked to perform at private events isn’t the same thing as them mimicking a scene for an advert.”

The BBC was investigating last night.

A Strictly Come Dancing spokesman declined to comment.