19 December 2023 , 12:11
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Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has revealed co-judge Motsi Mabuse's sweet gesture amid show trolling.
Shirley, 63, has been candid about the trolling she has received while serving as Head Judge on the hit BBC One dance show, admitting earlier this year she almost quit due to the torrent of abuse online.
The Queen of Latin, who threatened to 'name and shame' those who have 'bullied' her over the years earlier this week, appeared on Tuesday's Lorraine to talk about her new book, Murder on the Dance Floor, where chat soon turned to Strictly.
Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has revealed co-judge Motsi Mabuse's sweet gesture amid show trolling (ITV)Asked about the online trolling and the support she receives from her co-judges - Motsi, 42, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley said: "She [Motsi] wrote me the most beautiful message the other day."
Shirley continued: "She said: 'You know, I'll always have your back' and I said: 'I'll always have your back, Motsi.' 35 years we have known each other, as with Anton Du Beke.
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"I feel as though the panel of judges that are there, right now, the fab four I call them because each of them is really concerned about the other one's mental health. So we're all there for each other... even Craig! He gave me the most lovely compliment over the weekend, he's just a doll, just lovely."
It comes as the Head Judge said she is 'close to' outing the 'bullies' that have plagued her throughout her incredible career. Shirley won competition titles and competed in the International Latin division, as well as going on to have a successful career as a dance coach, before joining Strictly in 2017 as Head Judge.
Shirley pictured with her co-judges Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood (PA)However, she has been outspoken about the trolling and abuse she's been on the receiving end of and has recently threatened to name those involved. Shirley recently said: "I don’t know how people get away with it until it becomes 'name and shame'. I am pretty much close to doing that I’ll tell you!"
Shirley has tried to keep her chin up when the trolling has been especially bad, saying the fact she loves her job is her incentive to get through the tough times. Shirley recently told OK!: "I’d never want to leave Strictly. I’ll be on TV and on the tour for as long as they’ll have me.
"I love Strictly. It’s like a day at Disneyland for me. When it’s ‘lights, camera, action’ I forget everything that’s gone on in the week. But it’s just on a weekend. I can always fly to the States on a Monday and come back on a Friday."