Shirley Ballas has been flooded with support after announcing a new TV role. The Wirral-born head judge has been a core part of Strictly Come Dancing since 2017. But this week, she'll be adding another dancing show into the mix as she shared the career update with her followers.
On Instagram, the Queen of Latin shared an announcement video. The 66-year-old said she is going to be a guest judge on next week's episode of Dancing With The Stars over in America.
Fans and fellow dancers react
Shirley added a caption which said: "Tiny shoes are packed." And fans rushed to send their love and support.
One said: "Your time to shine." A second wrote: "I cannot wait!!! So excited for this." A third said: "This is going to be epic!!! Can't wait for next week."
Former Strictly contestant and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri said: "Iconiccc!!!!!" And professional dancer Amy Dowden added red love heart emojis to the comments on social media.
Scheduling and family ties
It is reported that Shirley will fly over to America to film DWTS during the week, before returning to the UK ready for the Strictly ballroom on Saturday night.
Shirley's son Mark Ballas, whom she shares with ex-husband Mark "Corky" Ballas, is a professional dancer on DWTS. This year, he is partnered with former Love Island star Maura Higgins.
Shirley sits alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton DuBeke on the judging panel on BBC Strictly Come Dancing in the UK. The next episode has big shoes to follow after an incredible icons week last week.
Praise for new hosts
In a recent interview, Shirley spoke about the new hosts Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe. The 66-year-old praised the new hosts for bringing a "fresh" feel to the long-running series, while defending Josh amid mixed reactions from fans and critics to his presenting style.
Speaking on the red carpet for the Pride Of Britain Award ceremony, the Wallasey-born star told the Press Association: "I have a changing room just down from Josh. He is humorous. He is a gentleman. He is kind and I think he's brilliant at his job."
Emma, Josh and Johannes stepped into their roles after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departure from the show after fronting it for more than a decade together.
Shirley said: "It's mixed up but it feels great. It feels fresh. Still one of those bigger shows where people tune into for all the family. So it's great."
Speaking about the series, Shirley added: "I've had the best time with the new presenters, and the cast is such an even playing field. Everybody's getting into the groove now."
