Shirley Ballas, the beloved head judge of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has ignited speculation around her potential departure from the show following reports of a significant opportunity in the United States. The 65-year-old dance maestro is rumoured to be in discussions to join the judging panel for Dancing with the Stars: the Next Pro, a new spin-off of the American version of Strictly. This news comes at a time when fans are already processing the changes with the upcoming series, leading to questions about the future of the iconic show.
A New Chapter in the US
According to Deadline, Ballas is in the running to judge the new programme, which aims to discover fresh talent for the US cast of Dancing with the Stars. This venture aligns with her professional background, as her son, Mark, has danced in 21 seasons of the American show. Adding to the excitement, Robert Irwin, the winner of the 2025 series, is expected to take on hosting duties. While the new programme is set to premiere this summer, it coincides with the critical preparatory phase for the next season of Strictly, raising eyebrows about Ballas’s commitment to the BBC series.
Fans are expressing their concerns online, with one individual commenting on Reddit, “It makes me wonder if she’s considering leaving Strictly for the DWTS main show!” Another user echoed these sentiments, stating, “With Tess and Claudia leaving and now Shirley heading somewhere else, I’m afraid this may be the start of the end. Hope she isn’t leaving!”
Ballas’s Journey on Strictly
Shirley Ballas joined Strictly in 2017, stepping into the role previously held by Len Goodman, who had been the head judge since the show’s inception in 2004. An accomplished dancer and world champion, Ballas has shared her experiences of the pressures that come with the role, particularly concerning the toll it takes on her mental health. She has been open about facing relentless trolling and criticism from viewers, which almost pushed her to quit the show in 2023.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ballas has said, “Some of the messages were so cruel. Just, how ugly you are and how fat you are, and how you’ve got horrible arms, and, ‘You don’t like men. You don’t like women. You don’t like Black men. You don’t like Black women.’” The heavy scrutiny intensified when she had to take the lead in a dance-off decision, often placing her in the line of fire for fans’ discontent.
Evolving Judging Dynamics
In a move to alleviate some of the pressure on Ballas, Strictly’s producers decided that in the 2025 season, a different judge would have the deciding vote each week. However, this adjustment did not shield her from backlash. Following the elimination of popular contestant Lewis Cope in the quarter-finals, she recounted being “called every name in the book” for her honest feedback during the live show, despite fellow judges echoing her sentiments. “I think it is disgraceful that somebody would write that,” she expressed, highlighting the harsh realities of being in the public eye.
Why it Matters
As speculation around Ballas’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing continues to swirl, her potential move to the US spotlight underscores a significant shift in the dynamics of talent shows. The impact of her departure could resonate beyond just fan sentiment; it may also signal a broader trend in the entertainment industry where established figures seek opportunities that align more closely with their personal and professional aspirations. As the landscape of dance competition television evolves, audiences will be keenly observing how these changes unfold and what they mean for the future of beloved programmes like Strictly.
