I get judged too!

Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas on answering her critics and why she still gets told off by her mum!

- Emma Bullimore

ENTERTAINMENT

Strictly Come Dancing

SAT, SUN / BBC 1 / 6.50PM, 7.20PM

Head judge Shirley Ballas has lit up the Strictly ballroom since replacing Len Goodman back in September.

With unrivalled knowledge, her technical insights and passion for precise footwork are second to none, and she’s not scared to make unpopular decisions. Plus she knows exactly how to deal with jack-in-the-box Bruno Tonioli jumping around next to her!

We’re big fans, so TV Times couldn’t wait to catch up with the Queen of Latin as Strictly enters the final stages. With the couples preparing two dances for this week’s show, Shirley, 57, talks to us about her Strictly experience…

Shirley, we love you as the new head judge. Are you enjoying the job?

It’s everything I thought it would be and a lot more, I’m married to this industry and I’ve been in love with dancing since I was two. I’m not going to tell a fib, this job has been a little bit overwhelming because it’s my first time doing TV, but everyone on the show has made me feel so welcome, especially my fellow judges. I first met Bruno 11 years ago – he’s mad as a hatter but we’re like a sock and a shoe, we just fit. Craig is my gorgeous pussycat and Darcey has just been lovely.

You give some very technical feedback, which we’re really enjoying. Are you hoping to make Britain fluent in all the ballroom lingo?