Shirley Ballas has confirmed she is not leaving Strictly Come Dancing, despite taking on a new judging role with rival US competition Dancing With the Stars this year. The 66-year-old, who joined the BBC show's judging panel in 2017 and served as head judge until last year, revealed the news in the December 2026 issue of Prima.
Double Duty Across the Atlantic
Speaking about her new role, Ballas said: "I have an opportunity this year, judging for the first time on Dancing With the Stars for Halloween. So, I'll do Strictly, and then I'll fly over to the US and judge that, then come back again."
She added: "So, it's double duty this year. That was a job I've always wanted. It's been on my wishlist. I feel that Dancing With the Stars will be a slightly different audience. I think I can probably be more strict."
Ballas reassured fans: "It's going to be very interesting. But I'm 100% not leaving Strictly!"
Family Ties on the Dancefloor
Her son, Mark Ballas, is also taking part in the US competition, partnered with former Love Island star Maura Higgins. This means Ballas may face extra scrutiny when judging, particularly when scoring her son.
Reflecting on recent changes to the show, including the casting vote now held by Craig Revel Horwood, Ballas said: "I know at the bottom of my heart and in my twinkled feet that Craig Revel Horwood loves every moment of sending someone home. He really does [have the casting vote]."
She continued: "When everybody got a turn to do that, Motsi wasn't so struck on it. Maybe not Anton either, but Craig couldn't wait to have a little turn. So when I see him so joyous, I think, 'Yeah, that's a good move'."
New Hosts and Recent Backlash
Ballas also reflected on the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly last year, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe taking over as hosts. She said: "Claudia and Tess started me off in 2017, and I had a beautiful relationship with both of them... So, of course, I was very saddened to hear [they were leaving]... Then, of course, I know Emma Willis, because I did Cooking With the Stars with her. And Josh Widdicombe, I met several times on different shows that we've done, and he is extremely funny."
She added: "And who doesn't love a bit of JoJo? I've known him since 2018. He's just a superstar in my book."
Week five of Strictly kicked off on Saturday night (October 24). Jamie Winstone, 41, and her partner Carlos Gu, 33, performed a Foxtrot to Man I Need by Olivia Dean, scoring 25, while Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr performed a Jive to Faith by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande, taking home 17 points. The pair ended up in the dance-off, with Craig, Motsi and Anton voting to save Jamie and Carlos, but Shirley's decision to save Shaun sparked backlash online.
