TV

Shirley Ballas breaks silence on Strictly quit rumours

Will it be a short but sweet Strictly experience for Shirley?

Shirley Ballas only joined the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel this year but already speculation is brewing she could be leaving.

So when Shirley appeared on This Morning for a chat on Friday, it was only natural Eamonn and Ruth wanted to find out more!

The answer? Well, she doesn’t know!

Addressing the quit rumours, Shirley said: “We haven’t finished this season yet and I’ve had the most spectacular time.”

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“There have been some things to get used to,” Shirley admitted, “like Twitter and the press and this and that, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being on the show and everyone’s journeys, the ups and downs, but as of yet, nothing has been decided.”

Eamonn told Shirley he hopes she will return, to which she said: “I hope so.”

Meanwhile, Shirley also defended herself following criticism that she’s too technical in her feedback – even her mum has said she needs to simplify her remarks!

But Shirley said it took her time to “ease into the show” and find different ways to express her thoughts, and she wanted to make sure everyone understood the dance and the moves.

“You cant blink or do anything! You’re totally under scrutiny,” she added.

“I don’t think too much [about the criticisms]. I go from week to week hoping the celebrities will get the dances right, listen to the music.

“I’m married to what I do, I love what I do. I love the music, I love the challenge of a celebrity who was struggling and comes back next week, has an unbelievable journey and has the public on their side. I just love the journey.”

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When asked to score her own Strictly journey, she said: “I would score myself a seven because I think in anything you do there is room for improvement, whether you’re a celebrity or an adjudicator.

“I watch it back and it did take me a while to get used to the paddles, get things in the right order, and make sure things flow and people understand what I’m talking about.”

Many This Morning fans were clearly eager for Shirley to return to Strictly next year.

This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor