BBC bosses face anger for allowing Strictly stars to plug brands on social media while on the show
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BBC bosses get angry for allowing two Strictly stars to plug brands on social media while appearing on show
- Two Strictly Come Dancing contestants have come under fire for branding posts
- BBC rules say stars shouldn’t capitalize on their fame when appearing in shows
- Bosses have agreed they can post if the lucrative deals already exist
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BBC bosses have come under fire for allowing two Strictly stars to plug brands on social media while appearing on the show.
Actor Will Mellor posted an ad for vacation company James Villa Holidays on Instagram this week.
Pop star Fleur East previously promoted hair brand Wella on the same platform.
The BBC rules state that stars cannot capitalize on their fame when appearing in programmes, but bosses have agreed they can post if the lucrative deals are already in place.
Celebrities can be paid between £5,000 and £20,000 per social media post.
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Will Mellor posted an ad for holiday company James Villa Holidays on Instagram this week – which was criticized by past competitors
Now past participants of BBC1 dance hit Strictly are furious that they were told they couldn’t form paid social media partnerships while appearing on the series. One told the Mail: ‘It’s very frustrating because when we’re on the show we’re inundated with lucrative offers from brands, but we have to ask the BBC to just say ‘no’.’
Housewives’ favorite Mellor, who starred in Coronation Street and Broadchurch, urged his 380,000 followers to book a trip with James Villa Holidays.
He declared the post an ad, shared early bird discounts and the company’s website. Alongside a picture of himself, his wife Michelle McSween and their teenage children in front of a villa, Mellor, 46, wrote: ‘(AD) #Throwback to an unforgettable family holiday and that huge pool!
“I don’t know about you guys, but this weather change has got me thinking about where I’m going on vacation next year and what kind of outing I want for the kids.
Who knows, maybe a #VillaVacation is next on the cards? James Villas also has a great offer at the moment.”
Past participants of BBC1 dance hit Strictly are furious that they were told they couldn’t form paid social media partnerships while appearing on the series
BBC sources said Mellor’s deal “already existed”, but no other posts appear on his Instagram page from before his time on Strictly.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘Celebrities who participate in Strictly declare all pre-existing commercial obligations when they sign up for the show and can continue with those obligations as long as they do not associate the program or the BBC with their commercial activities.’
Meanwhile, former Come Dancing presenter Angela Rippon, 78, will make a surprise appearance on the Strictly dance floor this weekend as part of the BBC’s 100th anniversary.
The longtime BBC newscaster and ex-Top Gear presenter will join actress Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima for their routine on the Come Dancing theme song, which ran on and off from 1949 to 1998. Miss Rippon hosted the series between 1988 and 1991 and is said to be “ecstatic” to be invited to Strictly. A source said: ‘She is a member of the Strictly and Come Dancing family.’