Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has landed an exciting new role away from the BBC series, working alongside her famous son Mark Ballas on a new spin-off programme. The 65-year-old professional dancer revealed details of her latest project during a live appearance on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, June 10.
New Spin-Off: Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro
Shirley has just returned from Brisbane, Australia, where she participated in Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, a fresh spin-off fronted by reigning champion Robert Irwin. The programme showcases 12 aspiring dancers who share accommodation while competing through the audition stages, vying for a coveted position as a professional on the forthcoming series of Dancing with the Stars. Shirley sits on the judging panel alongside her son Mark, who has been a professional dancer on the American iteration of Strictly since 2007.
Shirley's Excitement on GMB
Discussing her enthusiasm for the new programme, Shirley told presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls: "I've just spent eight weeks in Brisbane, Australia with Mark for Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. It was the most fascinating show I've ever done in my life. Conrad Green was the executive producer on it. The 12 professionals that have come from all over the world have got the most serious challenges to do in a short space of time."
She added: "It's gonna show the public how we find a professional and exactly what goes into the making of a top professional. We've got all sorts of tests they have to do, from choreography to teaching. They've also got to have the skill to be able to mentor. Also, sometimes you even have to be a counsellor, don't you? You have to be everything on that show, and being with [Mark] was extraordinary."
Collaborating with Her Son
Speaking about collaborating with Mark, Shirley said: "We had natural chemistry. He comes from being on Dancing with the Stars for 20 years. I come from being a professional, him from a competitor. And I have to say that he was absolutely extraordinary. I actually learned a lot watching him. He's very empathetic. But remember that these people are professionals, not celebrities, so I'm really quite tough on them." The judge added: "If people tune into this show and it's a success, I believe that it will go all round the world."
2026 Strictly Line-Up Tease
Shirley also hinted at the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing line-up, after Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were announced as the new presenters. "It's quite extraordinary!" she revealed, as Susanna and Ed reacted with surprise. "There's going to be some people on there where you're gonna go, 'Wow!' I can't tell you the names obviously, but you know that the BBC always pick the incredible chemistry between all the celebrities. For me, actually, off the record, it's quite extraordinary!"
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, while Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
