Fears are growing that Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas could quit the BBC show after being wooed by US TV bosses.
Shirley, whose two-year contract comes up for renewal at the end of the series, went down a storm on the American version of the show as a guest judge, which aired this week.
US executives keen on permanent role
Dancing with the Stars executives are said to be keen to try and make her a permanent fixture on the hit show after impressing with her no-nonsense judging style.
It comes as Shirley looks set to spend much more time in the States if, as expected, a second season of Dancing with the Stars spin-off show The Next Pro is green-lit.
Shirley impressed on the programme, which sees 12 up-and-coming professional dancers compete for a slot on the programme, along with her son Mark Ballas. Production is set to be transferred from Australia to Los Angeles, meaning an extra incentive for Shirley to make the move back to the US full-time.
Potential dual role and family pull
Shirley, who has been the head judge since 2017, could potentially juggle Strictly with the US version of the main show, in the same way as Len Goodman, and later Bruno Tonioli, did.
Last week Shirley flew straight to the US almost immediately after filming the UK show, with the US version airing on a Tuesday.
A source said it "would make a lot of sense" for Shirley to be based in LA if she lands a second season on the spin-off show.
The source added: "Suddenly being a full time judge on the US version would be very appealing. Publicly she has said she wants to continue on the UK version….but the lure of the US might be too great, not least as her son and grandkids are based over there, and the travelling back and forth can be very gruelling."
Public pledge to stay
Last week the head judge, 66, pledged her future to the UK version of the show. She told Prima magazine: "I have an opportunity this year, judging for the first time on Dancing With The Stars for Halloween. So it's double duty this year. That was a job I've always wanted. It's been on my wish list... But I'm 100 per cent not leaving Strictly."
However, the pull of America may prove too much, not least as it would mean spending more time with her son and her grandchildren.
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…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."
Shirley certainly impressed on the Halloween special of Dancing With The Stars. She drew gasps when she awarded Save The Last Dance actress Julia Stiles a four for her Argentine tango.
A source said: "Bosses love the fact that she takes no prisoners, and it's been a really refreshing change. They would love to do more with her."
Shirley's appearance also marked a historic first in that she was also judging her own son, who is competing this season with Maura Higgins.
