Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas has spoke out over a supposed ‘feud’ with Darcey Bussell.
The new head judge has dismissed rumours of a backstage fallout between the pair.
Although admitting there was a culture clash between them, Shirley insisted they worked well together.
Shirley told Radio Times: “Our backgrounds are world apart. I come from a housing estate, the under-privileged if you like, and she comes from privilege.
“But her persona and lovely attitude work well with mine. I just want to cuddle her all the time.”
Meanwhile, Shirley has refused to be drawn on whether or not she’ll be back on Strictly for a second series.
She said: “Let’s wait and get this season over with first.”It’s been an experience. And at 57! It’s been wonderful.”
But if Shirley does return, she already has her eye on some celebrities for the cast, saying: “I think Cheryl Cole would be amazing.”
Shirley also spoke out about this year’s results so far, which have seen a string of surprise dance offs.
The biggest shock was when favourite Aston Merrygold was eliminated, and it saw Shirley getting abuse from viewers.
But she insisted they only had themselves to blame.
Shirley explained: “Aston was an absolute natural dancer, wasn’t he? There was nothing that that boy couldn’t do and he shouldn’t have been in the dance-off.
“But whose fault was that? It certainly wasn’t mine. It was the public. Should Jonnie have been in the bottom two? Should Debbie?”
Shirley added: “I have to do my job once you vote. I have to do my job based on what the country decide.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues this weekend on BBC One.
