Shirley Ballas Confirms "100 Percent" Stay on Strictly Amid Judge Exit Rumors
The head judge of the BBC dancing competition dismisses speculation of her departure and states she has no plans to remarry.
Shirley Ballas, the head judge on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has definitively stated she is "100 percent" staying with the show, countering reports that all four judges might leave when their contracts expire this year. Ballas, 66, also expressed no desire to marry again, following the breakdown of her engagement.
Ballas, who joined Strictly in 2017, had been rumored to be considering a move to the U.S. version, "Dancing with the Stars," after her current contract concludes. She revealed that she will be a guest judge on the American show for a Halloween special, describing it as a "job I've always wanted" and a "wish list" opportunity. "So I'll do Strictly and then I'll fly over to the US and judge that, then come back again," Ballas explained. "It's going to be very interesting. But I'm 100 percent not leaving Strictly!"
The "Queen of Latin" also addressed her personal life, stating that she does not want to "answer to anybody" and has "no desire to get married" at this stage of her life. This comes after the end of her engagement to her former fiancé, Danny Taylor, in 2024. Ballas, who has spoken out about facing judgment for her previous age-gap relationship, added that she would "never share" details of a future relationship.
Last month, Ballas was seen with Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, 36, in a London park. Her decision to continue with Strictly comes as her co-judges, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke, also face contract expirations this year. Insiders had suggested that any of them could potentially depart the program.
Earlier in 2023, the judging panel reportedly angered BBC executives by requesting an 11 percent pay rise. Amid the corporation's budget cuts, sources indicate that further raises are unlikely.
Ballas's tenure on Strictly has not been without controversy. She has faced accusations of favoritism, bullying, and harsh scoring. In a previous incident, she was reprimanded by BBC executives for violating editorial guidelines by recreating Strictly elements for a paid MSC Cruises voyage without authorization.