Shirley Ballas Heads to DWTS Amidst Speculation of Strictly Exit

Shirley Ballas, the head judge for Strictly Come Dancing, has traveled to the United States to make a guest appearance on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS). The 66-year-old is set to appear on the American competition for its upcoming Horror Movie Night episode.

This move comes as speculation mounts about Ballas's potential departure from Strictly, with her contract, along with those of the other judges, set to conclude at the end of the current series. Ballas shared her excitement on Instagram, posting a clip from her flight with the caption, "DWTS, I'm on my way." She was seen traveling in business class, showcasing her dance shoes and a glittery skull in a nod to Halloween week.

Ballas's appearance on DWTS is historic as she will be judging her son, Mark Ballas, who is a professional dancer competing on the show this season with partner Maura Higgins. The announcement has led to debate among fans on social media, with some questioning the fairness of the situation. Comments on X (formerly Twitter) included concerns that Ballas might favor her son or, conversely, be overly critical to avoid the appearance of bias.

This transition follows a precedent set by former Strictly judges Bruno Tonioli and the late Len Goodman, who also transitioned to judging roles on DWTS. The potential departure of Ballas comes at a time when Strictly itself may be facing a significant shake-up, with reports suggesting all four judges could be considering leaving. Following the exits of presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, BBC executives are reportedly concerned that ongoing controversies surrounding the show's new format could prompt judges Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Ballas to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Ballas, who has served as head judge on Strictly since 2017, is considered a strong contender for a permanent role on DWTS due to her extensive technical knowledge and public profile. Insiders suggest that after a decade on the British show, she might choose not to return for an eleventh series, potentially to spend more time with her son Mark and her grandchildren in the U.S. A source indicated that while the judges are currently contracted, their terms will need renegotiation, and any of them could become free agents after the current season concludes.

Ballas had previously hinted at a possible move to DWTS earlier this year. She had already co-hosted a DWTS spin-off series, 'The Next Pro,' with her son Mark. This series focused on dancers auditioning for professional spots on the main DWTS show. Ballas has also expressed a desire to be more present in her son's life, regretting her absence during his childhood due to her career demands. She told The Mirror in February, "I want to be a much better grandmother than I was a mother, as I was pursuing my career." Mark Ballas, 40, is a professional dancer based in the U.S. with his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean, and their two children. Despite past speculation, Ballas had previously stated she would remain with Strictly "as long as they would have her," and she has reportedly dismissed online criticism as a reason for leaving.