08 October 2023 , 20:07
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Shirley Ballas has hit back at the booing she receives from the Strictly audience, pointing out that fellow judge Anton Du Beke doesn't receive the same reaction.
As head judge, Shirley is tasked with dealing out some of the toughest critique to celebrities willing to learn from their mistakes. However, her marking is not always the best received from the live studio audience, who are quick to voice their frustration at her low scoring. Responding to the reaction she receives, Shirley told the Mirror on the Pride of Britain red carpet: "When I give a five, I always get booed. When Anton gives a five, he gets cheers. What's with women getting booed for scores and men don't? It's all in fun."
Ever since taking over from the late Len Goodman and becoming head judge in 2017, Shirley has been subjected to relentless trolling and online abuse - so much so that she was forced to hand over her Instagram and X profiles to a social media manager. Last year, Shirley became embroiled in sexism accusations towards Kym Marsh, prompting a devastated Shirley to take a three-week mental health break.
Shirley Ballas reckons she receives way more boos than the male judges (PA)Shirley also spoke about Amy Dowden's return to Strictly on Saturday evening, her pride shining bright for her courageous former student, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for stage three breast cancer.
"She was a student of mine for many years. I talk to her a lot, all the time and I thought she was very, very brave," she said. "She was going to wear a wig and then she decided not to for cancer awareness month, and that took courage and we know what kind of courage that took for her and I thought she looked beautiful. Her dress was beautiful, the face, make-up - with or without hair that girl is a superstar. And I know her fight having known her as a little girl and she will be back on that show by next year. We love her, we miss her. She's very creative, she's so positive when you go on tour with her, she gets you upbeat."
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