Strictly judge Shirley blasts back at her critics: ‘Don’t tell me how to do my job’
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas has hit out at critics who have slammed her judging technique.
The renowned “Queen of Latin” snapped that she did not need to be told how to do her job after decades in the professional dancing industry.
Shirley, 57, faced a huge backlash from fans after eliminating JLS star Aston Merrygold last week.
And fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood has criticised her for using too many technical terms.
Speaking of her decision to save Mollie King over Aston, head judge Shirley said: “I entirely stand by my decision and that will never change.
“Don’t anyone tell me how to do my job – I’ve been doing this since I was 16.”
Shirley said she sent Aston home because his Viennese waltz with partner Janette Manrara was well below his usual high standard.
Shirley insisted that she would not change her style despite Craig’s complaints. “No way!” she said. “I will judge on technical ability. I don’t think about whether I upset someone. I’m doing my job”.
Shirley’s no-nonsense style is in contrast to her predecessor Len Goodman. But she might seem to have a tough exterior as a defence against years of sexist bullying.
“People at the top of the industry have given me a difficult time for many years,” she has said. “My industry is a male-dominated one.
“But I’m still standing. It’s a difficult place if you are a woman.”