Shirley Ballas responds to BBC Strictly Come Dancing criticism after clashes with judges

Shirley Ballas (Image: Getty)

Shirley Ballas has responded to fan concerns over the judges seemingly clashing on screen. The 64-year-old dancer and judge joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 as the head of the judging panel.

In a candid interview with Radio Times Shirley reassured viewers that there’s no bad blood behind the scenes, stating: “We’re all friends.

"I’ve known Anton over 35 years, Motsi for over 30 years, and Craig for the full eight that I’ve been on the show, and we have such a good banter between us.”

She also went on to speak about her future on the show, admitting: "I want to do Strictly until I pop my clogs.

"I shall come in on my walking frame because I’m married to dance!"

READ MORE: Strictly's Shirley Ballas makes 'promise' to fan after glaring error [LATEST]

The dancer and judge has been appearing on Strictly since 2017 (Image: Getty)

In 2017, the 64-year-old Merseyside-born "Queen of Latin" took over from the late Len Goodman after he retired to spend more time with his family.

Since then, Ballas has brought her expertise to the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel, offering technical skills behind each celebrity's performance.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&playerApiId=v118222');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v118222"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

Just last week, Shirley candidly discussed her ongoing battle with bladder leaks, which have led to her avoiding drinking while appearing on Loose Women.

She has now become an ambassador for a campaign promoting pelvic floor exercises and encouraging women to seek help when experiencing leaks, after being advised not to discuss the issue in her younger years, reports the Mirror.

Shirley speaks out about Strictly criticism in the latest edition of Radio Times (Image: RadioTimes) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241119.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Christine Lampard, the host of Loose Women, introduced the topic by saying: "Here on Loose Women, we never shy away from taboo topics, so today we are marking bladder health month and discussing bladder leaks."

Shirley, eager to share her personal experience, explained: "I feel like bladder leaks are a bit of a taboo subject that no one wants to talk about. I think it is important for women to do their pelvic floor exercises and understand it should be a part of our daily routine."

"Being a dancer, I do them all the time; I have learned how to do them. But when I was giving birth, and I was pregnant, particularly during menopause, I struggled with that, bladder leaks."

"I talked to my mum about it, and my mother's generation, it is a taboo subject; she doesn't want to talk about it. In fact, when she knew I was coming this morning, I hope you're watching, mother, she was like, 'Oh dear, you can't talk about that!'"

She continued: "But I think it is a subject heading and when you have a job on the TV, if you have a platform and you can help the ladies out, then for me its extremely important."

Shirley Ballas responds to BBC Strictly Come Dancing criticism after clashes with judges

Shirley Ballas responds to BBC Strictly Come Dancing criticism after clashes with judges

Shirley Ballas responds to BBC Strictly Come Dancing criticism after clashes with judges

Shirley Ballas responds to BBC Strictly Come Dancing criticism after clashes with judges

Shirley Ballas responds to BBC Strictly Come Dancing criticism after clashes with judges