Shirley Ballas handed Julia Stiles a shockingly low score of four for her Argentine Tango with pro Ezra Sosa during the Halloween special of Dancing With the Stars, marking her debut on the US show and reigniting debate over her future on Strictly Come Dancing.
While fellow judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough awarded Julia sevens and eights, Ballas held back, explaining that the "gauchos were too slow" and Julia's legs weren't "sharp and controlled" enough. Bruno was taken aback by the comments, but viewers seemed relieved.
Judges criticised for leniency
The other judges have faced criticism for going too easy on contestants. For the Argentine Tango, Bruno branded Julia a "mistress of seduction", while Carrie Ann hailed the dance "tense". Derek said the dance "felt just a little timid, a little careful, a little tiptoeing."
Despite the underwhelming dance, Bruno awarded Julia an eight, while Carrie Ann and Derek gave her sevens. When Shirley's four followed, an audible gasp erupted from the audience.
The moment proved exactly why she needs to leave Strictly, according to opinion in the Daily Express. The other judges are clearly terrified to give honest feedback when raising their paddles, and stern Brit Shirley – the Queen of Latin – knows exactly how to do that.
Family reaction and UK criticism
Julia's family mocked Shirley from the audience, sticking their tongues out when she gave her score. That proves that DWTS celebrities want to be pandered to and coddled – something they'd never get on Strictly.
Back in the UK, Shirley has come under fire from fans for being too strict. Fans have accused her of being "biased" against female celebs, with one X user tweeting: "Shirley shows hints of bias and sexism when she comments on young women during SCD.
"She's done the same with Ashley Roberts, Fleur East and Tasha Ghouri in recent years and now she's doing the same with Lacey [Turner] and Bethany [Antonia] this year in my opinion.
"She can give 'constructive' criticism without the need to be overly critical and harsh in her comments. She can be quite degrading to younger females - is she jealous of them? Or is it simple favouritism towards the men?"
A permanent move to the US
The opinion piece argues Ballas is not sexist but a stickler for perfection. Strictly UK already has a mean judge in Craig Revel Horwood, with nicer remarks from Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. DWTS doesn't, so a permanent move to the US could suit her.
Shirley's son Mark Ballas already lives in America and works as a professional dancer on DWTS, paired with Maura Higgins on the 35th season, having previously placed first with stars like Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson and Charli D'Amelio. Shirley confirmed this week she has no intention of marrying again, leaving little stopping her from uprooting to the States.
