Strictly Come Dancing has previously been called out for animal cruelty but the show has heard the calls for change and made a massive pledge to change the way they do things

Strictly Come Dancing is making a major change to its wardrobe department in the wake of ‘cruelty’ claims.

The hit BBC dance competition show drew to a close on Saturday night, with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell taking home the Glitter Ball trophy, and while the series isn’t set to return again until next year, the show’s creators have confirmed they are making a major change to the dancer’s costumes after receiving an appeal from animal rights group, PETA.

Known for colourful and eye-catching costumes, often accessorised with real bird feathers, the big bosses upstairs have decided it’s time to get rid of them for good. They confirmed today that they have been “increasingly moving away from real feather use over the last few seasons” and, from now on, are choosing to use only faux feathers from now on.

It’s a huge move in the battle against bird and animal cruelty and follows the lead of fashion labels, including Victoria’s Secret and designers such as Stella McCartney, who have pledged to avoid using real feathers in their designs due to the sickening conditions animals are subjected to.

Faux feathers are the only feathers you’ll see on Strictly costumes from now on ( 
Image:
PA)

The costumes are known for being bright, sparkly and donned with feathers ( 
Image:
BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Executive Producer Sarah James said that in addition to moving away from using real feathers, the costume designers will also do their best to avoid recycling feathers from past costumes. PETA was overjoyed to hear the news, telling The Sun that they “applaud” the show for making the decision and are “excited” to see what next season’s costumes look like with the new designs.

“Behind every feather fashion item is a once-living bird who was shocked, slaughtered, and violently plucked for their plumage,” Yvonne Taylor, PETA’s Vice President, said. “PETA applauds Strictly Come Dancing for putting its best foot forward and quickstepping cruelly obtained feathers off the show. We’re excited to see the exclusively faux feather costumes it unveils in 2025.”

Strictly has already started making moves regarding the pledge, with Saturday’s final episode seeing wardrobe assistants quite literally pluck the feathers off judge Shirley Ballas ’s stunning red dress in between shows. Speaking to the news outlet, a source said the star was “shocked” as it was a “glamorous and expensive” outfit.

“There wasn’t time to change into another outfit and the whole show is run to a tight schedule,” the source said. They added that the decision to take the feathers off Shirley’s dress was a “sudden” one and that assistants were on standby before the show returned to broadcast to ensure Shirley had no feathers left on her dress.

It follows news the series had a weak season viewing wise compared to last with the September premiere seeing 7.1 million viewers, down from the 7.8 million who tuned in for the 2023 premiere. Throughout the season the show peaked at 9.3 million viewers and an average of 8.6 million viewers but still failed to match last year’s figures which peaked at 9.7 million and an average of 8.8 million.

BBC quickly hit back at viewership figures claiming that they are not accurate as “overnights no longer provide an accurate picture of all those who watch in an on demand world ”. The broadcaster said the true stats won’t be released until the 28 day consolidated figures are available.