Why is Shirley Ballas trending?
Shirley Ballas is trending due to reports she might leave her role as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing after joining the US show Dancing With The Stars, where she'll judge her son Mark. BBC bosses fear she may not return for the 2027 series, though no final decision is confirmed.
What happened
- Earlier
BBC producers express concern about Shirley Ballas potentially leaving Strictly Come Dancing after she joins Dancing With The Stars in the US [1][2].
What you need to know
Ballas is contracted as Strictly's head judge but hasn't committed to 2027, with sources suggesting she's in 'no hurry' to sign [1][2].
She will juggle DWTS filming during the week and fly back for Strictly's live weekend shows [1][2].
Fellow judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood have confirmed their return, but Motsi Mabuse is also undecided [1][2].
Whether Ballas will officially quit Strictly remains unconfirmed, as contract talks won't begin until the current series ends.
Background
Ballas joined Strictly in 2017 as head judge after Len Goodman's departure. Goodman, who died in 2023, was called 'irreplaceable' by fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood, who joked Ballas failed to replicate his iconic '10 from Len' catchphrase [1][2].
Dancing With The Stars involves judging her son Mark Ballas, a professional dancer on the show [1][2].
Questions people ask
Has Shirley Ballas confirmed she's leaving Strictly?
No, her future remains unconfirmed as contract negotiations haven't started [1][2].
Why is the BBC worried about her exit?
Producers fear losing popular judges Ballas and Motsi Mabuse, potentially disrupting the panel's chemistry after Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood confirmed their return [1][2].
What did Craig Revel Horwood say about her?
He joked she couldn't fill Len Goodman's shoes, stating she 'failed' to replicate his iconic '10 from Len' catchphrase [1][2].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.