Shirley Ballas is reportedly a "flight risk" for Strictly Come Dancing bosses as she prepares to judge her son Mark on the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, with contract talks for the next series yet to begin.
The head judge, who joined Strictly in 2017, has been linked with a switch to the American programme, following in the footsteps of Bruno Tonioli and the late Len Goodman. Insiders claim she will fit filming between the live weekend shows, with DWTS filmed throughout the week.
US Gig and Contract Uncertainty
BBC producers are said to be growing edgy that the judging panel could be split up at the end of the current series, with Shirley not understood to have indicated her future yet. Sources close to her suggest there is no big hurry to sign a contract, despite official negotiations not yet starting.
While Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood have made clear they intend to return, viewers face a waiting game to see if the panel will stay the same for a sixth series. Motsi Mabuse, who has been on the panel since 2019, is also yet to confirm her plans.
Craig's Tribute and Panel Future
Craig recently joked that Shirley will never fill the boots of Len, who died in 2023 at the age of 78. Speaking at the unveiling of a tribute sculpture at the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford in July, he said: "For me, he was Strictly Come Dancing. His sayings… ‘A ten from Len’ was a huge one. Shirley has tried to replicate that one, but sadly, she failed."
Craig has served on the panel since the inaugural series in 2004, while Anton assumed his position in 2021. A source told The Sun: "Strictly love the current judging panel and are really keen to try and persuade everyone to come back next year. Contract negotiations won’t start until the current series is wrapped, but already Craig and Anton have made it clear they intend to return. Motsi and Shirley are yet to make up their minds. Shirley in particular could be a flight risk for bosses, especially if her guest appearance on Dancing With The Stars goes well."
Tour Commitments and Next Steps
Another insider suggested the uncertainty is likely based on the fact that Craig and Anton are both performing in theatre tours next autumn, with both productions' websites advising they won't appear at Saturday dates, making it clear they're expected to be recording Strictly on Saturdays. Shirley and Motsi do not have theatre tours taking place.
The Mirror has approached reps for Shirley and Motsi as well as Strictly for comment, with the final decision on the panel expected after the current series wraps.
