Strictly: Shirley Ballas warns fans to not try lifts

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas is known for putting on a glamorous display on the BBC show but the head judge has suffered a private battle behind the scenes. The professional dancer has had to deal with online “trolling” and was even accused of being “sexist” following her critiques of celebrity dancers.

The 62-year-old explained the criticism has been shocking with trolls even ridiculing her appearance  – including the size of her ears.

The BBC favourite has revealed that for the first time in her career, spanning over five decades, she had to consult her doctor for her low moods and anxiety.

Shirley admitted she had never experienced this level of hate, in a new interview.

The head judge explained: “[I’m] emotional and low and I’m not going to lie to you, it did affect me this year for sure.

“I have [been to the doctor]. Fifty years, I’ve been in this industry!”

The Strictly star admitted she has always tried to do the best job for people watching at home and understands when viewers don’t always agree with the judge’s scoring.

“It’s OK, I didn’t agree with your mark, you sent the wrong person home.’ I’m fine with that,” she told OK! magazine. “But when it gets personal, that’s cruel.”

The head judge said she often gets trolled on social media but it has been particularly cruel this year, with one critic asking: “‘When can we vote you off the show?’”

The on-screen star also shared she has been left taken aback by the comments mocking her appearance.

Shirley remarked: “But don’t go into how people’s physical appearance is, how their hair is, what the shape of their body is, my face is wrinkled and old or whatever – I don’t think we need to get into that.’

“And the names I’ve been called! I couldn’t even repeat them to you.”

The BBC star went on to share the cruel comments have made her question her appearance and impacted her confidence.

DON’T MISS…

James Jordan shares update on daughter’s ‘painful’ illness[LATEST]
I’m A Celeb’s Boy George hits out at Matt Hancock U-turn accusation[TWITTER]
Mike Tindall shuts down I’m A Celeb backstage claim amid new Zara snap[TV]

Shirley added: “It makes you [go]… ‘Do I look right? Am I too heavy? Am I this? Am I that?

“Cover up your bingo arms. Should I wear a dress with sleeves?’ One person said, ‘Your ears are too big.’ So, I got a tape measure out and measured my ears.”

The Strictly judge has also been questioned about having a glass eye – but shared she wears one contact lens.

Shirley has decided to take a step back from the limelight and said she will be taking a break from her showbiz lifestyle over Christmas.

Meanwhile, Shirley hit back at a critic on social media ahead of Sunday night’s results show.

The person in question blamed the head judge for Ellie Taylor being the latest celebrity to bow out of the competition.

Twitter user, Eoghan fumed: “THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU OVERMARK WILL MELLOR AND HAMZA YASSIN AND YOU UNDERMARK MOLLY RAINFORD AND FLEUR EAST!”

Shirley hit back: “No dear this is what happens WHEN YOU DON’T VOTE. Full stop the end.  Enjoy the rest of the show.”

Source: Read Full Article