Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas hits back at critical viewers

Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas has hit back at viewers, saying ‘Don’t tell me how to do my job’.

Despite being a favourite to win, it was Aston Merrygold who left Strictly Come Dancing 2017 last weekend.

He was in the previous bottom two dance off against Mollie King after the viewer votes and judges’ scores were combined.

Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley both voted to save Mollie while Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli saved Aston. As head judge, Shirley had the casting vote and so Mollie was saved and Aston went home.

The decision angered viewers with both Craig and Shirley facing flak from viewers.

Defending her decision ahead of the latest results show this Sunday, Shirely said: “The BBC has very clear rules: you have to judge on that performance, not past ones – and Mollie was the best dancer.

“My question to viewers is, ‘Did you vote?’ You have to vote.”

Speaking to the Daily Mail newspaper, Shirley continued: “I judge with no fear or favour, but it has been a very tough week and I really don’t like to see somebody go home.

“But I entirely stand by my decision and that will never change. Don’t anyone tell me how to do my job – I’ve been doing this since I was 16.”

Following Aston’s surprise departure, Debbie McGee has been installed as the current favourite to win.

Tonight saw Ruth Langsford become the latest celebrity to leave.

The remaining eight couples will now pack their suitcases and head to Blackpool as next week the show is broadcast live from the world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom when Strictly Come Dancing returns on BBC One.