Strictly's Bethany Antonia defends the BBC for blurring her 'Protect the Dolls' T-shirt despite fan fury over censorship

Antonia, 28, has said she put the top on without knowing it carried a charity and brand association. 'The BBC had to do what they had to do,' she said, describing the edit as keeping things 'fair for everybody'. The slogan was blanked out of rehearsal footage on the October 10 live show. She continues to say she stands with her 'trans family in every way'.

The BBC says it always 'reduces the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans'.

Furious viewers called the edit 'outrageous' and accused the BBC of transphobia.

Antonia predicts it is 'only a matter of years' before a trans contestant appears on Strictly.