Strictly Come Dancing’s Darcey Bussell rubbishes Shirley Ballas ‘feud’ claims

Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell has hit back at claims of a ‘feud’ with Shirley Ballas.

New judge Shirley joined Strictly Come Dancing last series in place of Len Goodman, who stepped down after a decade in 2016.

As well as taking over his seat on the panel, Shirley became the new head judge and had the casting vote in the dance off.

There were (dubious) reports of backstage feuds between Shirley and Darcey during the 2017 series which Darcey addressed this week.

She told the Daily Telegraph: “Of course I get on with Shirley. She’s hysterical, she’s got a great sense of humour, and I totally respect her amazing amount of knowledge. She’s great to be with.”

Asked about the cliche rumours of feuds between women, Darcey remarked: “Funny that… I don’t know why that is. Maybe we ask for it? I’m not sure.

“If we were in two suits, I wonder if they would treat us differently.”

Shirley Ballas will return as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing for the next series, it was revealed earlier this year.

She’ll be back alongside Darcey, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

Craig said: “I think it is a great team and it was really good last year. I can’t wait to get back into it.”

Meanwhile, the Strictly Come Dancing 2018 pros have been revealed

The BBC Has confirmed three new pros for 2018: They are Italian Latin Champion Graziano Di Prima, Professional South African Latin Champion Johannes Radebe and four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship Luba Mushtuk.

But we have lost two Strictly pros: Brendan Cole, a series original, and Chloe Hewitt, who joined in 2016, will both be leaving the show.

Strictly Come Dancing will start on BBC One in September.