BBC Strictly judges 'feud' as 'genuine conflict' exposed after on-air shouting match

A body language expert has shared her insight on the supposed ‘feud’ between Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood after the pair ended up in a shouting match during the most recent episode of Strictly Come Dancing.

The judges clashed over Craig’s harsh comments on Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe’s waltz.

He criticised some of their movements, saying: “I would have liked to have seen it a little bit softer, a little bit lighter throughout.

“It bothered me that your frame was constantly going in and out... ”

However, before he could finish his assessment, Shirley jumped to her feet and asked: “What are you doing?”

Motsi Mabuse tried to intervene but Shirley hit out: “Wait, wait, wait. Darling, he had that beautiful frame, he dropped his arms, and she looked at him willingly, ready to go with soft movements.

“With beautiful footwork, improving. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?”

Buzz Bingo’s Judi James has shared her analysis of the situation, claiming it was simply a chance for Shirley to “showcase her costume”.

Judi said: “Halloween came a week late for Strictly as head judge Shirley suddenly launched a screaming attack on fellow judge Craig that had Motsi jumping up out of her seat to safety yelling ‘If you’re going to fight, take it outside’.

“All four judges were dressed as pop ‘icons’ and while Craig, Anton and Motsi’s subdued body language made them look embarrassed by their outfits, Shirley looked delighted by her Cher cos-play which seemed to unleash some inner inhibitions during the night.

“During one critique of a rumba, she stood up to perform a sensual writhing which was aimed at showing off the movement but which looked more like a ploy to show off Shirley’s sequinned body stocking.

“There were underlying signs of some genuine conflict as Shirley reared to her feet clutching her notebook to face up to Craig with one arm out to halt his negative comments.

“Motsi pushed a hand out to either side shouting ‘Stop Stop’ and Anton placed his fingers in his ears as Shirley stood miming another dance, screaming ‘What do you want?’ at Craig who hit back by calling her ‘Cousin Itt’.”

The body language expert added: “Shirley’s attack on Craig appeared to be another excuse to showcase her costume, although despite the panto nature of the ‘attack’ there did seem to be undercurrents of some sort towards either Craig or even Johannes, who had just performed an exquisite routine with his partner but who then had to watch his judges’ comments end up in attention-seeking farce that upstaged him and his partner completely.

“This is a very fierce, emotional stage of the competition and watching the judges show-boat and ignore you after a gruelling week and complex routine must be gutting.

“Johannes is a consummate masker but the way one hand balled into a fist as he watched the melee did suggest some inner frustration or even anger.

“Even when Motsi moved seats to deliver her comments, we could see Shirley and Craig sitting causing a distraction together by laughing and chatting after their ‘fight’ rather than sitting in respectful silence.”