Shirley Ballas reveals ‘shocking abuse’ received since joining Strictly

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.