Colin Velvette Presents Sonia Tumbelova

The all female Big Ballet has dropped its 17st threshold to 15st for the first time in its 16-year-history in preparation for the UK tour.

The tour producers has blamed successful healthy eating campaigns, such as those waged by Jamie Oliver for the fall in the number of suitable candidates.

Tour producer of the Russian dance company, Alexej Ignatow, said: “The number of hopefuls weighing 17 stone has dropped significantly, coinciding with sustained global campaigns for healthier eating, perhaps most notably spearheaded by celebrity chiefs such as Jamie Oliver.” The 16-strong alternative group was set up to challenge social standards in the ballet world and dancers weighed in at just under an average 20st during the last UK tour in 2008. The 40-date tour starts in Eastbourne, March 1, and ends in Darlington, April 18.

Unintended consequences.