Strictly Come Dancing slammed by animal rights charity for 'cruel and gory' element to their costumes

Strictly Come Dancing has been slammed by an animal rights charity for the cruel use of real feathers in this years glitzy costumes.

PETA said that the 'gory, not glamourous' use of birds feathers have 'no place on the dancefloor' as they pleaded with show bosses to use alternative products. 

Fashion designers such as Stella McCartney have added feathers to their list of banned items and made a pledge to go Feather-Free. 

Vice President of Corporate Projects, Yvonne Taylor, wrote in a letter to show bosses that Strictly Come Dancing should follow suit. 

The document obtained by The Sun, reads: 'Like many Brits, we love the dazzling dances Strictly Come Dancing brings to our screens, but we must spotlight one major concern: the series’ use of feathers.'

She continued: 'Real birds’ feathers are a product of extreme cruelty to animals and have no place on your dance floor. They are gory, not glamourous. 

In the letter, Yvonne added that the industry was 'shrouded by mystery' and 'black market activity.'

'Live plucking, which is common, causes birds immense pain and sometimes fatal injuries,' she explained. 

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. 

Elsewhere, Strictly Come Dancing could be caught up in a favouritism row with several viewers accusing the BBC of giving out special treatment to a celebrity pairing. 

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones are starring on the current series of the hit dancing show and each week have consistently been awarded high scores, ranging from 30 - 34, with only their first week scoring slightly lower at 26.

The Welsh opera star, 52, and professional dancer, 35, took to the Strictly floor again on Saturday to take on The Salsa.

Craig remarked: 'I loved loved loved those lifts you're a born entertainer', whilst Motsi said Wynne was her 'sunshine' and added that she 'adored' him. 

Dressed as red devils, the dance earned the duo an impressive 31 for Halloween week, with Motsi, Shirley and Anton each scoring them eights. 

Despite the high praise and scores, some fans were left unimpressed, as they claimed Wynne and Katya had been over marked.

Some even accused him of 'having something in his contract' with others saying it depends on who the judges like, whilst one blasted it as an 'absolute joke.'

Taking to X they fumed: 'wynne is getting so blatantly overmarked each week and it’s doing my absolute head in. that dance was easily his worst dance yet in my opinion and yet he got three 8’s????? i’m genuinely baffled #strictly'

'Sorry but a 31 is a joke! Surely BBC favouritism at play at this point? What am I missing that is so good with Wynne? #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing'