Strictly's Shirley Ballas finally addresses rumours she won't return to BBC show

06 April 2023 , 22:22

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Strictly's Shirley Ballas finally addresses rumours she won't return to BBC show

Shirley Ballas has addressed the speculation over her return to the judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing, with her now suggesting that negotiations are underway.

The ballroom dancer, 62, had hinted in an interview just last month that she might not return to the BBC show after "struggling" with abuse from viewers on social media.

She later suggested that she was open to the possibility of reprising her role as head judge and has since further commented on the situation whilst on a chat show.

Shirley - who has been on Strictly's judging panel since 2017 - will discuss her possible return on this week's episode of the Jonathan Ross Show, which will air over the weekend.

She's a guest on the latest episode of the ITV show alongside comedian Lee Mack, actor Jeff Goldblum, singer John Legend and comedian Jack Whitehall.

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Shirley Ballas is best known for her role on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)

Discussing the rumours that she may not go back to Strictly, Shirley suggests that talks are underway for her to return, saying: "Well… I do believe it's in the process. Is that the right way to say it? Yes.. their people are talking to my people."

During her appearance on the ITV show, Shirley also speaks about having been on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour earlier this year with fellow judge Anton Du Beke, 56.

She tells host Jonathan Ross : "It was an amazing experience. [Anton] was on it this time - that man is so funny. He comes across as the perfect gentleman, but he's very naughty behind the scenes."

Shirley recalls: "He came to my dressing room [and] I had my big girl Marks & Spencer knickers out. The next thing I know, we’re on set and he pulled them out of his top pocket and started to wipe his head with them… good job they were clean, eh?"

She's been head judge on the BBC show since 2017 (BBC/Guy Levy)

There's also discussion about Shirley having penned her own book, which is titled Murder on the Dance Floor. The book is expected to be released later this year.

Teasing about the future, she says: "I'm writing another one next year. [...] I wanted to do something I've never done before. I like to write. I enjoyed the process. Along with a wonderful writer who helped me."

The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday night (April 8) on ITV and ITVX from 9.50pm. You can catch up on previous episodes of the latest series through ITVX now.

Joel Leaver