Head judge Shirley Ballas has spoken of her surprise and sadness following the departure of long-serving Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. The presenting duo, who fronted the BBC One show together for over a decade, made their final joint appearance on the programme's Christmas Day special.
Ballas Reflects on Hosts' Surprise Exit
Winkleman and Daly announced they were stepping down from the flagship entertainment series in October 2024, having co-hosted since 2014. Ballas, who leads the judging panel, admitted the news came as a shock. She praised their unique chemistry and the energy they brought to the live shows, acknowledging the significant void their exit will create for the programme.
A Personal Struggle Behind the Scenes
In a remarkably candid revelation, Ballas disclosed that she herself almost left Strictly in 2018. She cited intense public scrutiny and personal criticism as the primary reasons for considering her exit. The judge explained that it was her son, Mark, who persuaded her to stay, highlighting the powerful platform the show provided for her to champion causes close to her heart.
Ballas now uses her prominent role to advocate for male suicide awareness and men's mental health, a mission inspired by the tragic loss of her own brother. She actively supports several related charities, turning her personal grief into a force for public good.
Turning Down Temptation: The Ozempic Decision
The conversation also turned to personal health, with Ballas revealing she had been offered the weight-loss medication Ozempic but chose to decline. She attributed her decision to advice from her mother, who cautioned about insufficient long-term research and potential downsides associated with the drug. This reflects Ballas's cautious approach to wellbeing amidst the pressures of being in the public eye.
As Strictly Come Dancing prepares for a new era without its familiar hosting team, Ballas's reflections offer a rare glimpse into the personal challenges faced by those at the heart of the nation's favourite dance show. Her commitment to continuing her advocacy work ensures her role extends far beyond the judge's desk.
