The BBC is reported to be investigating Shirley Ballas after a cruise company creates a Strictly Come Dancing–style entertainment segment without permission. According to reporting, MSC Cruises paid Ballas more than £10,000 to develop and present a show concept that used elements associated with Strictly, including the programme’s theme tune. In the segment, Ballas is said to have participated in a competition format judged by her, including a presentation style that incorporated the well-known paddle used on the TV show to reveal scores. The reports say the BBC is assessing whether the cruise company’s production and use of copyrighted or protected show elements complied with licensing and permissions. Both accounts describe the same core details: MSC Cruises’ payment to Ballas, the use of Strictly-associated material such as the theme music, and the competition segment featuring Ballas and the paddle. Neither source provides the outcome of the BBC probe.