Strictly Come Dancing Judge Shirley Ballas Sparks Exit Speculation with American Dance Show Role
Shirley Ballas, the renowned head judge on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, has ignited widespread concern among fans that she may not return to the popular British dance competition. This follows revelations that the 65-year-old television personality has secured a significant new role on a rival dance programme across the Atlantic.
Transatlantic Move to Dancing With The Stars Spin-off
The celebrated judge, who currently shares the Strictly panel with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, is reportedly preparing to cross the pond to feature in a spin-off series of Dancing With The Stars, the American equivalent of Strictly. According to reports from The Sun, Shirley will join the stateside judging panel alongside her son, Mark Ballas, a former professional dancer on the ABC network's flagship series.
Mark Ballas, who participated in Dancing With The Stars from 2007 to 2023 and claimed victory three times, will collaborate with his mother in the new series to help select the show's next professional dancer. The spin-off will be hosted by Robert Irwin, son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, with initial reports about the programme emerging from Reality Steve.
Potential Scheduling Conflict with Strictly Filming
While exact filming dates for the American spin-off remain undisclosed, there are growing apprehensions that production could overlap with Strictly Come Dancing's annual filming schedule, which typically runs from September through December. This potential clash has intensified speculation about Shirley's continued involvement with the BBC programme.
Representatives from Mail Online have reached out to both the BBC and Shirley Ballas's management team for official comment regarding these developments. The uncertainty has prompted a flurry of reactions from dedicated viewers across social media platforms.
Fan Reactions and Historical Precedents
Devoted fans quickly took to online forums to debate whether Shirley's new American venture might signal her departure from Strictly. One Reddit user commented, 'VERY interesting, makes me wonder if she's considering leaving Strictly for the Dancing With The Stars main show!' Another speculated, 'I don't think she will leave strictly unless they both are clashing,' while a third suggested, 'She'll do what Bruno did and leave for a week or two with a guest judge filling in for her...'
Should Shirley transition to the American series, she would follow in the footsteps of former Strictly judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, both of whom departed the BBC programme to join Dancing With The Stars. Shirley, often referred to as the 'Queen of Latin' due to her distinguished ballroom dancing career, assumed the head judge position in 2017 following Len Goodman's departure. Goodman sadly passed away in 2023.
Family Connections and Professional Background
The mother-of-one shares her son Mark with ex-husband Corky Ballas, a professional dancer who introduced their son to the competitive dance world from an early age. In 2023, Mark announced his retirement from Dancing With The Stars after sixteen remarkable years as a professional dancer on the programme.
During his emotional farewell, Mark expressed profound gratitude to his supporters, stating, 'I started this journey when I was 21, 22. Honestly, being able to dance and perform for you fans, you guys are the best fans.' He confirmed this would be his final competitive dance with a celebrity partner, though he emphasized this did not mark the end of his dancing career entirely.
Broader Changes at Strictly Come Dancing
Shirley's potential departure represents just one of several significant changes affecting Strictly Come Dancing. The programme recently witnessed the departure of its beloved hosting duo, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who announced their exit last October following the 2025 series. Their final appearance aired during the Christmas Day special, with both presenters having previously agreed they would leave together rather than continue with new co-hosts.
As the dance world awaits official confirmation regarding Shirley Ballas's future commitments, the speculation continues to generate considerable discussion among television audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
