Poppies: Whatever Strictly Does Is Wrong

It seems that, when it comes to the annual Poppy Appeal, whatever Strictly Come Dancing producers do is wrong.

In all series up until last year, only the presenters and judges wore poppies. The contestants did not, and I presumed this was because they were wearing a costume, rather than their own clothes. They did wear them if they were a guest on It Takes Two.

Last year, despite the fact that the dancers had never worn them, there was an outcry. All of a sudden, everyone was outraged that they weren't worn, and so the BBC reversed their decision, and they all wore them for the first time.

Now a columnist for the Belfast Telegraph believes it is wrong to have poppies pinned to such skimpy costumes.

Nuala McKeever writes: "To see dancers on Strictly Come Dancing wearing large floppy poppies, such as Scott Maslen and Natalie Lowe, pinned to their skimpy costumes was tasteless in the extreme. Do the words, “time and place” mean nothing to the BBC executives who’ve handed down this ridiculous decree?"

I support the Poppy Appeal and wear my poppy with pride, and I think it is important that everyone show their respect to the veterans of our country, and remember those who are not fortunate to stand alongside them.

But when it comes to the Strictly Come Dancing participants, it seems they cannot do the right thing.

Personally, I don't think anyone in costume should be expected to wear a poppy. You wouldn't go to a West End show and expect the cast to wear them. You wouldn't expect the characters in EastEnders to wear one unless their character would. Presenters, judges and musical guests, who are not in a costume, should be expected to wear them in the same way as any other presenter or guest on the BBC.

No doubt, should Strictly return next year, the debate will rage once again...