The former dancer looks set to be strutting her stuff back into the ballroom
Shirley Ballas has revealed the BBC have asked her to return for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Appearing on ITV’s Loose Women today, the 57-year-old dancer confirmed the news and also addressed rumours of a spat with Brendan Cole.
Asked if she would be judging this year’s talent, Shirley replied: “I’ve been verbally asked but as of yet I haven’t had a contract, but of course I would be highly delighted to go back on that most fabulous show. I had the time of my life.”
Shirley replaced head judge Len Goodman when she joined the popular BBC show last year, which left the Loose Women ladies to ask her if she will be paid the same as her predecessor.
“I do believe if a woman is doing the same job as a man then everybody should be on equal pay,” Shirley answered.
“But I do also understand that my first time on Strictly was like a trial so to speak. You’ve got to see that you can do the job, so I felt that everybody was really happy and I’m sure that they will be more than fair.”
Someone who won’t be returning to the Strictly set is professional dancer Brendan Cole, as the BBC decided not to renew his contract.
Denying there’s any bad blood between herself and Brendan, Shirley explained: “I never had a spat with Brendan Cole I want to make that clear.
“I never had a spat with Brendan Cole. I didn’t. I just gave my critique and people decide which way they’re going to take it.
“I did everything from a good place and I just wanted Charlotte [GMB’s Charlotte Hawkins, Cole’s celebrity partner] to improve her performance,” the former dancer added.
Commenting on what she thinks Brendan will do next, Shirley said: “I think whatever he puts his mind to and wherever he goes he will do a divine job because I’ve known him all his life, he’s a hard worker, he has a beautiful family and I have faith in everything he does he will do a good job.”
Words by Kirsty McCormack
