Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas is at the center of a "fix" row due to her previously established close relationship with this year's celebrity contestant, Dani Dyer. Questions about potential future favoritism have emerged following revelations that Ballas, 65, and Dyer, 30, shared a significant experience together prior to the show.
In 2019, both Ballas and Dyer participated in a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Comic Relief. Images from the challenge show the two women smiling together. A source close to the pair described their shared experience as a "tough experience together, which bonded them for life," adding that Ballas acted like a "second mother to Dani during that trip."
This connection has led to concerns among some professional dancers on the show that Ballas might be less critical of Dyer's performances due to their personal history. "Some pro dancers are worried that Shirley will favour Dani and be less tough on her because of their shared history," a source told The Sun. "Of course, Shirley is a professional but it is hard to be objective when you have a genuine soft spot for someone."
However, the same source noted that Ballas also completed the Kilimanjaro hike with Dan Walker, a former Strictly contestant, and was able to "objectively judge him," even voting him out in a dance-off. Representatives for the BBC and Ballas have been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail.
Dyer is one of several celebrities in the upcoming series with prior performing arts experience. Reports indicate that nine out of the 15 contestants have some background in dance or performance, representing 60% of the cast. Among them, Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb studied at The Dance School of Scotland and performed in the West End. Former Love Island contestant Cach Mercer was a professional dancer specializing in Hip-hop and Afrobeats, and Dyer herself described in a 2019 autobiography as a "qualified dancer" who attended O'Farrell's Stage School for 12 years as a child. EastEnders actress Lacey Turner also attended Sylvia Young Theatre School, and singer Delta Goodrem had early training in dance, singing, and acting. Jaime Winstone completed a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts, and Bethany Antonia studied musical theatre at the BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy. Melanie Walters, known for her role in Gavin and Stacey, performed in a Cinderella pantomime. Additionally, presenter Graeme Hall participated in a dance competition called "Strictly Northampton" in 2012.
This is not the first time "Strictly Come Dancing" has faced scrutiny over contestants' prior experience. The show has previously been criticized for signing up individuals with existing dance or performance backgrounds. The BBC show also recently announced five new professional dancers joining the lineup for the autumn season, following the departure of several other professional dancers earlier in the year.