EXCLUSIVE: British casting directors have been warned to stop collecting bust measurements from actresses after a former Midsomer Murders star raised concerns about the practice. 

Kirsty Dillon, who starred as detective constable Gail Stephens in 24 episodes of Midsomer Murders, went through industry channels in 2023 to complain that she was receiving bra-size requests from casting directors before she had even secured a role.

At the time, Dillon was informed by the UK actors’ union, Equity, and the Casting Directors Association (CDA) that efforts would be made to end requests for intimate measurements. Nearly three years on, however, Dillon told Deadline that she still sees the question on casting forms. 

Late last year, a CDA member asked Dillon for her “bust/chest size,” with the clarification “e.g. (Women) 32B.” This information was “required” as part of the form, which was being used to cast an advert. 

Dillon said she had never encountered the request on films and TV series, but claimed the question was commonplace for acting jobs in commercials. 

The CDA, which represents casting directors who specialize in advertising, told Deadline that it recommends members use gender-neutral questions. The organization added that information should only be provided on a voluntary basis and that actors should not be overlooked for roles because they withhold personal data.

Trauma Response

Dillon said the bust-size question has long caused her alarm. She complained about the issue alongside other safeguarding concerns, saying it provoked a trauma response relating to a time when she was harassed by men, including about the size of her breasts.

“There was a 15-year period of my career where I was being harassed by three men. When I used to see that [bust size] question on paper, all those trauma symptoms would come flooding back. It was a reminder that my body wasn’t mine,” she explained.

“When I see the question now, it makes me feel angry, disempowered, and depressed. But I don’t feel frightened anymore because I have healed, and I’ve stood up and asked important questions.”

Dillon claimed that when she first raised her concerns with Equity, she was initially met with skepticism. After persisting with her complaint, the union took legal advice and was told that requesting intimate measurements could breach data protection regulations.

“Data requested must be relevant and ‘limited to what is necessary,’ and it is hard to justify why any casting agency would need this detailed info before engagement/wardrobe,” Dillon was told by Equity, per a document seen by Deadline. Equity also admitted to Dillon that it had heard similar concerns from other female members about the bust size question.

Equity: “Intrusive & Potentially Harmful”

In a statement, an Equity spokesperson told Deadline: “Equity believes that in the majority of cases, asking performers for details about intimate measurements, such as their bust size, is not only unnecessary but overly intrusive and potentially harmful. 

“There are limited circumstances where doing so might be seen as legitimate, such as for costume fittings or commercials where related products are being sold. However, asking a performer for this information in the early stages of casting, and before they are engaged, is inappropriate.”

The union added: “The union has advised the above to agents and casting directors. If any members are asked for details about intimate measurements and believe the request to be inappropriate, please contact Equity.”

Following questions from Deadline, the CDA said it had reminded members of its guidance on intimate measurements. The organization has also shared best practices with casting studios, which sometimes include the bust size question on forms when actors use their facilities to record self-tape auditions.

The CDA said: “The Casting Directors Association is committed to best practice throughout the casting process. We recommend requesting gender-neutral sizing information on casting forms for the first round of casting and at recall stage.”

“All information provided is voluntary, and choosing not to provide it will not affect an actor’s application for any role. If an actor is unsuccessful, their information will be retained only for as long as the Casting Director reasonably considers necessary for record-keeping purposes.

“If an actor is successful, their information may be retained for as long as the commercial remains in use and may be shared with those involved in the production of the commercial. The casting director must obtain the actor’s consent before processing any sensitive or special category personal data included on the form. This can be achieved through a simple tick box at the end of the form.”

The CDA continued: “Due to the increasingly fast turnaround between casting and production, providing sizing information to the wardrobe department can help ensure a smoother process and a better experience for actors attending fittings. However, actors are under no obligation to provide sizing information at the first round of casting and may leave these fields blank if they prefer.”

Dillon wants to see intimate measurement questions abolished altogether during casting. She said that gender-neutral phrasing does not allay her fears around safeguarding because she believes that some women would still feel compelled to provide measurements.

Dillon said the fear many actors have is that if they don’t provide the information, they will be punished during the casting process. She also has reservations about how the information is being shared and stored. Dillon added: “Until you recognize there is an issue, and that the issue affects thousands of us, you will do what is convenient for yourself.”

The actress has also raised her concerns with UK politicians, including Jess Phillips, the government’s former minister for safeguarding. Dillon’s other credits include MotherFatherSon and Holby City. She secured Arts Council funding for her Brighton Theatre Royal stage show, Groomed To Perfection, which was also made into an audio drama featuring John Nettles, Dillon’s Midsomer co-star.