Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas is reportedly set to take on a new TV role as a guest judge on the US version of the show, Dancing with the Stars, according to a source cited by The Sun.
Ballas has been a judge on the BBC One programme since 2017 and has returned for the current series alongside fellow judges Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Reported US appearance
A source told The Sun: "Shirley will fly to the US later this month after the Strictly live show finishes." The source added that Ballas is not expected to give up her role on BBC's Strictly, as Dancing With The Stars is filmed throughout the week.
"It's a whirlwind schedule, but she jumped at the chance to take part," the source said. The insider also claimed the US opportunity is a one-off, but it could lead to further appearances: "If the US TV bosses think Shirley is a hit, they're sure to see if she would come back."
Family connection to the show
Ballas already has a link to Dancing with the Stars, as her son Mark, whom she shares with her second ex-husband Corky Ballas, has been a professional dancer on the show since 2007 and has won the series three times. He is currently competing in the 35th season, partnered with former Love Island contestant and I'm A Celeb star Maura Higgins.
Ballas became a grandmother for the first time in 2022, when Mark welcomed a baby son with his partner BC Jean. Speaking about her grandson at the time, she told HELLO!'s podcast Changemakers: "This is my second chance to show that I am a good mum; I could have been great."
She added: "My mother moved in, and he never had another babysitter. He had a mum who was working hard, who did the best she could, and a nanny 24/7 who took him everywhere."
Ballas's representative has been approached for a comment. Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One and iPlayer.
