Strictly star Tyler West paid by government to promote food safety and allergies

08 April 2023 , 17:29

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Tyler West has a nut allergy (Image: PA)

Former Strictly contestant Tyler West is among the celebrities and influencers paid by a Government agency to promote food safety campaigns.

The radio DJ, who has a nut allergy, received money from the Food Standards Agency to participate in its Speak Up for Allergies campaign.

Embarrassing Bodies co-presenter Dr Dawn Harper and former Love Island contestant Jack Fowler were also among the 19 “notable or public figures” taking part in campaigns in the last five years, earning £33,925 between them.

The FSA, which also gets food industry funding, paid them “for appearances… in support [of] our campaigns to increase awareness of allergens and other food safety issues”.

Tyler earned money from the campaign (TV GRABS)

Tyler and Dianne on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

It held back details of individual fees for reasons of “commercial interests” and protecting personal information.

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Tyler, who appeared in last year’s contest with dance partner Dianne Buswell, was paid for “creating content and sharing allergen-related safety messaging” in a TikTok video in February 2021, playing multiple characters in a sketch about ordering a takeaway and checking if it contains nuts.

The message alongside urges: “Vibe for the food! Speak up if you or someone you know have an allergy. Ask every time.”

Jack, who also has a nut allergy, was paid to discuss a 2018 allergens campaign on Sky News and to share social media content a year later. Dr Dawn was paid in 2021 to boost awareness of Use By dates.

A representative for Tyler declined to comment. Jack and Dr Dawn were contacted for comment.

The FSA’s Natasha Smith said: “Influencers help us get important public health information to hard-to-reach audiences.”

Simon Murphy