Fresh Strictly drama as head judge Shirley Ballas forced to make frantic change after activist group backlash

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.

“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.

Thursday’s Sun revealed the group’s request to bin feather boas.

Peta’s Yvonne Taylor said in a letter: “Behind every feathered frock on the dancefloor is a once-living bird who was shocked, slaughtered, and violently plucked for their plumage.

“Peta urges Strictly Come Dancing to stick to fabulous feather-free fashions that no one had to die for.”

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

This denied birds opportunities for natural movement, said Peta. It added: “Live plucking, which is common, causes birds immense pain and sometimes fatal injuries.”

BBC Studios declined to comment on the Peta demand, or the removal of feathers from Shirley’s dress.