Shirley Ballas has reunited with her Strictly Come Dancing co-star Anton du Beke after returning to the UK following her guest judge role on Dancing With The Stars in the US. The 66-year-old confirmed she had touched down in Britain days after sparking backlash over her comments on the American show.
Posting a video hours before Saturday's Halloween special, Ballas wrote: "POV: You're back with Anton (Strictly husband) after spending a few days with Bruno (DWTS husband)." Fans responded warmly, with one replying: "Best duo of all time! We love you, Shanton!!" Another added: "Can't wait for tonight," while a third commented: "You go girl, with all that electric energy."
Addressing the Exit Rumours
Her return to the BBC studios comes days after she was forced to address speculation that she might be leaving the show. Reflecting on her guest role on Dancing With The Stars, Ballas told Prima that while it has been a job she has "always wanted," it does not affect her responsibilities on Strictly.
"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 explained. "So it's double duty this year. That was a job I've always wanted. It's been on my wish list. One working with Mark [Shirley's son], and one, at least, doing guest spots on Dancing With The Stars."
Addressing her future in the BBC ballroom, Ballas added that she is "100% not leaving Strictly!"
Speculation Over the Judging Panel
Earlier this week, The Sun reported that Ballas and her fellow judge Motsi Mabuse had not shown signs of returning next year. A source allegedly told the publication: "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."
However, following the reports, a BBC insider told Express.co.uk that this was simply nonsense, with speculation arising after Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke revealed some telling tour dates. "The websites for both productions advise they [Anton and Craig] won't appear on the Saturday dates, making it obvious they will be in Elstree recording Strictly that day.
"Shirley and Motsi don't have theatre tours taking place, so the publication's source seems to have based this 'fears they both might quit' theory on that," they noted.
