Inside the BBC’s ‘Shirley Ballas problem’: How Strictly bosses are battling behind the scenes to protect under-fire judge in ‘bias’ row

Vile comments about her appearance, personal attacks on her character, and even death threats; Shirley Ballas has seen it all during her time as head judge of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 65-year-old actor has stood tall throughout his eight-year tenure despite trolls repeatedly calling for him to be booted from the show over his judging decisions – at one point even filing a petition for his ouster – but he has held his head high and refused to appease them.

This year, in a bid to reduce online harassment, BBC producers decided to change the format with a small but significant change; This means that when a celebrity is sent home, the blame won’t always fall on Shirley.

The deciding vote, previously always cast by chief justice Shirley, now alternates between her and fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, Anton du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood.

Producers thought it was an easy way to share responsibility for their famous debuts among the four, a subtle side-step out of the line of fire for the head judge and a way to keep the trolls at bay.

But it seems the format change wasn’t enough to change some viewers’ opinions about the former ‘Latin Queen’, who joined the show following the departure of the late Len Goodman in 2017.

The new series of the BBC dance competition is just four weeks away and Shirley is still bearing the brunt of viewers’ criticism; Their fellow jurors also largely escape their wrath.

The ridicule from diehard viewers is familiar: They believe he is ‘hypercritical’ and has ‘favourites’ to whom he gives ‘biased’ scores.

The online frenzy came to a head last weekend when former rugby player Chris Robshaw, 39, found himself in a dance-off with EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal.

Chris went home after Craig decided to save 46-year-old Balvinder with his deciding vote.

But while fellow judge Anton also decided to save the rugby player, it was Shirley who faced a tirade from viewers after voting for Chris but described both dancers as being of ‘the same level’ of talent.

One viewer wrote to

“I really don’t like the way Shirley talks to Balvinder,” said another.

One angry fan wrote: ‘I’m really offended by what Shirley said because 1: What do you mean Honey and Chris are on the same level and 2: She did very little dancing and those lifts were just distracting and made me think the dancing wasn’t good.’

Another sarcastic viewer added to the pile: ‘Shirley excusing another man’s mistakes.’

The deciding vote, previously always cast by chief justice Shirley, now alternates between herself and her fellow judges, who include, from left to right, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke.

The chief justice has come under fire in recent years for what some perceive as bias against male celebrities.

By 2023, the abuse had gone so far that Shirley admitted she was afraid to leave the house.

The Love Island star told Olivia Attwood in her ITV documentary about trolling: ‘I’ve seen people drawing coffins with me in them, holding a shovel and saying ‘Die you b****’.

‘I never relax. I can say that it completely changed my life.’

But the former professional dancer has stood firm to defend her critics, saying last year: ‘I judge without fear or flattery.

‘I’m just someone who sits in that chair as the chief judge to stay in my lane and judge the dance (legs, feet, body coordination, synchronization and chemistry) between leader and follower.’

He described the dance competition as the ‘light of my life’ and insisted he would stay in the role ‘as long as the BBC wants me’.

When Chris Robshaw (right) found himself dancing with Balvinder Sopal (left), Anton saved the former rugby player, but it was Shirley who faced a tirade from viewers after voting for him.

Television sources say the judge, who has turned the other cheek for so long, is unlikely to throw in the towel at this stage.

An insider told the Daily Mail: “Shirley definitely won’t be leaving because of the opinions of online trolls.” ‘He knows what he’s talking about and stands behind every decision he makes.’

But his challenge did nothing to deter trolls, who again this week pressed for him to be removed from the show.

“I think we should petition for Craig Revel Horwood to be head judge of Strictly from 2026,” one viewer posted.

Another wrote: ‘Shirley was frowned upon long ago when she was prejudiced and overly critical of the contestants.’

Another point of contention for some viewers this week emerged when Shirley praised Alex Kingston, 62, for his impressive rumba and then emerged from behind the table to join him on the dance floor.

After giving the player a standing ovation, he approached her and kissed her, leading some to criticize Ballas for ‘stealing her thunder’.

Shirley performs in the Strictly ballroom after publishing her debut novel Murder On The Dance Floor in 2023

After praising Alex Kingston (pictured) for her impressive rumba, Shirley emerged from behind the table to join the actress on the dance floor, prompting some viewers to criticize Ballas for ‘stealing her thunder’.

One viewer asked: “Why did Shirley do this to Alex?” he asked. ‘He looks like he did it for himself by stepping out of the table.’

But others defended the former dancer and called out the toxic and personal criticism directed at her online.

“Shirley’s hate here is so forced,” one viewer wrote. ‘He’s a great judge.’

Now in its 21st year, the BBC program is so loved by viewers that every change the judges make or every word they say is scrutinized and analysed.

Earlier in the series, judge Motsi, 44, came under fire for comments he made following Karen Carney’s performance.

The 36-year-old British Lioness, who has a spinal condition that means her back is arched, told her to ‘challenge’ it to have better posture.

‘This is going to be something we need to challenge to see how much we can really stretch and open up because it’s ballroom dancing and there’s a certain posture we need,’ she said.

One viewer wrote: ‘It was quite disgusting when Karen said she had a condition that caused her spine to be crooked and Motsi’s response was to say they should ‘challenge’ rather than adapt to it.’

It seems like the Strict judges need to develop thicker skin than the contestants, as every word they say is under constant scrutiny.