Shirley Ballas has dropped another hint that she could be departing Strictly Come Dancing, as she is set to star on a US-based spin-off with her son Mark. The dancer has been the head judge on the BBC favourite since 2017, but recently shared she could step away from the series to be more present as a grandmother.
New Spin-off Announcement
Now, Shirley has announced that she will be fronting a new spin-off for Dancing With The Stars, the US version of Strictly. The star appeared in an Instagram video alongside Robert Irwin, where she announced she would be appearing on Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro. The series will follow dancers auditioning to become one of the professional dancers on the upcoming series of the main show, with 12 contestants vying for a contract as a professional dancer on the Dancing With The Stars cast. Shirley will be judging the programme alongside Mark, who is already a pro on the Disney+ show.
Details of the Show
Shirley and Robert, who will host the programme, said: 'It's a new era where you are going to get to see what it takes to be a pro on Dancing With The Stars as we search for the next pro. 12 of the very best dancers from around the world [are] going to be battling it out for the role of a lifetime. It's going to be pretty amazing. Make sure you tune in on July the 13th!' Among those set to appear is former Strictly pro AJ Pritchard, and if he wins the show, it could prove to be an awkward reunion, as Maura Higgins, who dated his brother Curtis, is set to compete on the upcoming season.
Strictly Come Dancing Shake-up
Strictly is set for a huge shake-up for its upcoming series, after longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left the show last year. The BBC dance competition recently underwent a major reshuffle, with several familiar faces leaving the series in what fans have described as a 'bloodbath'. Those exiting the ballroom include Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas, marking one of the biggest cast shake-ups in recent years.
Shirley's Family Priorities
Shirley herself had previously hinted she could leave Strictly Come Dancing so she could spend more time in the US and be a more present grandmother. In February, the star shared her regrets over being so busy with her career when son Mark was growing up. She told The Mirror: 'I want to be a much better grandmother than I was a mother, as I was pursuing my career.' Shirley continued: 'I have told him I don't think I was there for him. I used to have his teddy in my suitcase. It was very difficult for me.' Mark, now 39, is a professional dancer based in the US, where he lives with his two-year-old son, Banksi, whom he shares with his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean, 38. The couple are also expecting another child.
Previous Statements on Staying
Shirley had previously stated she would stay on Strictly 'as long as they would have her,' even hitting back at the idea she could leave after facing trolling due to some of her judging decisions. 'Shirley certainly won't be leaving Strictly over the opinions of online trolls,' an insider told the Daily Mail. 'She knows what she's talking about and always stands by every decision she makes.'
