Shirley Ballas has defended her low scores on Dancing with the Stars after her judging debut sparked a backlash from some viewers. The Strictly Come Dancing head judge, who is taking on more work in the US, insisted she had to give her honest assessment, explaining that contestants need room to improve rather than receiving top marks every week.
Shirley Ballas explains her scoring philosophy
Speaking to Good Morning America after the Halloween special, Shirley said: "I always believe that whatever's in my heart, I have to put forward." She continued: "There is always a place for somebody to grow. So if you are giving out 10s every week, where are they going to grow to? So I like to give them hope and to also give them a good understanding about the level to my experienced eye."
Shirley made it clear she would not soften her approach, adding: "I'm not very good at doing fluff. It's very straight down the line for me." Addressing her four-point scores, she said: "A four for me is a great score, when they get a four or a five in England they are like 'Yay!', I could obviously tell here though that four was a paddle you are definitely not used to seeing."
Criticism of specific routines
She added: "But it is what it is and I have to sleep with myself at the end of the day, so I always do things fair and try to be the best version of myself that I can for people." Her explanation came after actress Julia Stiles received just four points from Shirley for her Argentine tango, while the other judges awarded sevens and eights.
Assessing the routine, Shirley said: "I didn't find that there was much tracing on the floor." She added: "I need sharper, controlled legs. Also, posturally, it wasn't quite in the right place." The guest judge continued with tough criticisms when it came to Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik, saying their dance didn't include enough paso doble content and gave them a 4 out of 10.
Fan reactions and future plans
The tough marking divided fans on X, formerly Twitter. One viewer wrote: "I never want Shirley on my screen again. What a joke of a judge, horrible scoring." Another said: "I'm sorry I don't wanna see 4s from Shirley Ballas this is supposed to be a fun show we don't take stuff serious in America #dwts."
But others welcomed her approach, with one posting: "We need Shirley every szn...those judges are too soft and it pmo." Another viewer wrote: "Shirley Ballas taught me more in one episode from her feedback than I've learned this whole season from the other three judges #DWTS," reports Wales Online.
Shirley had previously revealed that joining the American show's judging panel was a long-held ambition. She told Prima magazine: "It's double duty this year. That was a job I've always wanted. It's been on my wish list."
She also anticipated a different reception, saying: "I feel that Dancing With The Stars will be a slightly different audience. I think I can probably be more strict. It's going to be very interesting." Despite speculation about her future on the BBC show, Shirley has confirmed she is not leaving Strictly Come Dancing. Strictly returns to BBC One this Saturday with the highly anticipated Halloween special.
