Shirley Ballas has opened up about the ‘shocking abuse’ she receives online after joining Strictly Come Dancing.
Shirley replaced Len Goodman as a judge on Strictly 2017 and also takes over his role as Head Judge and has the casting vote in the dance-off.
While Shirley says she has experienced “a nice following” online since joining Strictly, there has also been a lot of hate.
“I’d never done Twitter or Instagram before,” Shirley explained. “But since joining Strictly I do look at comments online, and I have a nice following. And I like constructive criticism. If I get that I have a think about it.”
Speaking to the Daily Star on Sunday newspaper, Shirley went on: “But some can be mean – so I just block them. If they’re awfully mean, that’s what I do.
“Some people are inappropriate. I don’t want to say what they say. I won’t go there. But some people are just inappropriate.”
Meanwhile, hitting back at some of the more constructive reactions to her ‘tough’ judging style, Shirley said: “I think it’s unfair to say that I’m mean. I think I’m constructive. I’ve done everything in my life with a good heart. I’m there to do my job and do it to the best of my ability.”
Originally from Wallasey, Shirley is a former ‘British Open to the World’ Champion, European, German, United Kingdom, United States and International Latin American Champion.
On signing up for Strictly, Shirley said earlier this year: “I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel.
“Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan. I just can’t wait!”
Strictly Come Dancing 2017 airs Saturday and Sunday nights on BBC One.
Tonight’s show starts at 6:50PM.
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