Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left wondering whether an exit from the BBC show was being confirmed after a special tribute was paid to head judge Shirley Ballas, prompting an emotional response.
During Wednesday night's (November 11) edition of the spin-off programme It Takes Two, which airs weeknights on BBC2, Ballas joined host Ellie Taylor to share her thoughts on the latest dance-off and the remaining couples in the competition.
Celebrating a Decade on the Show
The team took the opportunity to help Ballas celebrate 10 years since she made her debut as a Strictly judge. She joined the show in 2017, replacing the late Len Goodman as head judge after he announced his plans to step down at the end of the 14th series.
To mark the milestone, Taylor presented Ballas with a video montage of memories from her time on the show, along with special messages from her fellow judges, Strictly stars and her professional dancer son, Mark Ballas.
"My mum loves this craft, she's dedicated her life to it, and I can't think of anyone better to sit in that chair and give you feedback that you can take with you to improve on your journey," the Dancing With the Stars star said.
Emotional Response and Loyalty Pledge
After Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke shared their messages, alongside the likes of Dianne Buswell and Lauren Oakley, Ballas was seen wiping tears from her eyes as she said: "Amazing, I wasn't expecting to see my son on that, to be perfectly honest. All those boys and girls know I adore them."
She spoke about her love for the show and pledged her commitment to Strictly, adding: "Any way I can help them, I'm always there for them. I adore the show, I will be loyal to the show until the day they kick me off it!"
The comments come after she previously denied rumours she may be leaving the show, telling Prima in October: "I'm 100% not leaving Strictly!" However, the tribute left some viewers feeling it was a goodbye.
Fan Reactions Online
One viewer, @bettyredondo, said: "Mmm ….did anyone else feel like that was a goodbye to Shirley on #ItTakesTwo ? #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." Another, @mebecauseofgu, echoed: "Why does this feel like an exit interview for shirley??? #strictly #ItTakesTwo."
@FleuritoFaveees commented: "This vt they are doing for Shirley is giving vibes of the fact it's her last series especially with Mark making an appearance #ittakestwo." @RyanSoapKing25 added: "Shirley " I'll be on strictly till the day I die or the day they kick me off it" Ok Shirley is definitely going isn't she #ItTakesTwo #Strictly."
