Strictly fans all have the same complaint about Shirley Ballas after fix row
STRICTLY Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has come under more fire after speculation she should be replaced.
The former world championship dancer has been on the show since 2017 in the head judge’s spot, taking over from long-standing leading man Len Goodman.
However, amid rumours there are rows simmering among the judges, and accusations of favouritism from Shirley towards the male celebrity competitors, some are now calling for her to be replaced.
And they already have an idea of who in mind – the resident “Mr Nasty” judge, Craig Revel Horwood.
Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: “Why isn’t Craig head judge? I actually don’t get it, he’s the only judge on the panel who has been there from the very beginning (Anton ofc but he hasn’t been a judge until now) it always confused me, Shirley is getting infuriating. Craig should be head judge.”
Many on Twitter felt the same, with one writing: “Please make Craig head judge. He is the only one who talks sense. #Strictly”
“Strictly has lost its sparkle, just feels flat and overblown,” said another. “Needs a revamp and a back to basics approach. Craig as head judge on the panel. Bring in Angela Rippon as presenter.”
While a third added: “I don’t understand why craig isn’t head judge after all these years #Strictly”
However, many were quick to defend Shirley and the decision not to make Craig a judge, with most citing his background is in stage choreography, rather than competitive ballroom and latin.
“Because he’s the heel,” one Reddit user responded in response to the suggestion Craig should take over. “The melodramatic villain of the panel, he’s literally boo’d weekly. That’s perfect just the way it is. Head judge needs to be someone with competitive Latin and ballroom credibility, something Craig lacks.”
Another added: “Obviously over the years he’s picked up a lot of knowledge but he does still make glaring errors now and again regarding technique which leads him to argue with the judges that have actual ballroom experience.”
Shirley has also been backed up over the past few weeks by pros and celebrities from this year’s competition alike, including Jayde Adams and Kaye Adams.
Speaking on It Takes Two in her first interview after sashaying off the dancefloor, Jayde took the opportunity to heap praise on the women on the show, who have to deal with a significant amount more trolling than the men do.
Jayde told host Rylan: “I will say, women on this show get it in the neck, whether it’s me whether it’s Karen, whether it’s Shirley, the women get it worse than the men. And I just hope that my resilience is going to change things in the future.”
Kaye Adams, who was the first eliminated contestant this year, also backed Shirley up after leaving the series.
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The Loose Women presenter, 59, claims “ageism and sexism” are behind accusations the 62-year-old judge favours younger male celebs.
“I’m desperately sorry Shirley has been subjected to some of the comments she has this week,” she told The Sun.
“It’s despicable and unwarranted. She’s hugely talented and highly-qualified for that job.”
Shirley has also spoken out against the favouritism accusations during dance-offs, adding viewer voting is essential to keeping dancers safe.
“I’m not the one who puts them there. People have to understand that every week somebody has to go home. Kaye Adams surprised me. She went out in week one, as she was terrified as I met her in the corridor before she went out,” she told us.
“But I think she did a grand job. She did show a lot of promise and it would have been nice to see more of her journey.”
Asked who she sees as this year’s underdog for the Glitterball trophy, she diplomatically said: “I’m not going to say who it is, I love them all. They are all trying their very best and they are all bringing something that is special.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.