Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The Dancing Queen
Latin champ takes over Len’s role as head judge on Strictly
DANCE champ Shirley Ballas has surprised the showbiz world by winning the battle to replace Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing. She was named head judge in a role many viewers had expected would go to Strictly professional Anton Du Beke. BBC bosses said Shirley, 56, impressed them with her ability and experience as a dance coach and her work on screen with US show Dancing With The Stars. The “Queen of Latin” – who won nearly every major dance title by the age of 21 – has already been hit by the Strictly curse on relationships. Her husband and dance partner, Corky Ballas, left her and dated former Strictly professional Kristina Rihanoff, who was 20 years his junior, before their 2007 divorce was finalised. Shirley – originally from Wallasey, Merseyside – said yesterday: “I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity. “I can’t wait to get into the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel. Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan.” Although relatively unknown on TV here, Shirley is famous in the US for her work on Dancing With The Stars. Her son, Mark, is a professional dancer and twice winner of the show. Strictly judge Darcey Bussell said: “Her years of experience are impressive and I’m sure she will be a great addition.” Craig Revel Horwood said it was “fantastic news” and Bruno Tonioli added: “She is an incredible Latin dancer and trainer.” Shirley was one of the most decorated professional dancers in the world. She is threetime British Latin American champion, and 10-time US Latin American champ. Shirley outshone her rivals after BBC executives mocked up a mini Strictly show at Elstree studios and asked her to comment on the dancers. BBC director Charlotte Moore said: “Len’s are big shoes to fill, but the Queen of Latin is the ideal new Strictly judge.” Strictly returns in the autumn.