I FORGIVE KRISTINA FOR ROMANCE WITH HUBBY
New Strictly judge Shirley:
FEISTY Shirley Ballas insists she has buried the hatchet with former love rival Kristina Rihanoff.
The new Strictly judge’s husband, from whom she was separated, waltzed off with the “Siberian siren” years ago.
She had been married to Corky for almost two decades but it fell apart in 2003. He was Kristina’s dance teacher and they went on to spend five years together.
Speaking about the drama for the first time, Shirley said she and Kristina are now pals and there are no hard feelings over the relationship.
She told the Daily Star Sunday she has “no issues” with Kristina these days.
Shirley, 56, added: “I’ve had lunch with Kristina. I’m a people person. I love people.”
Kristina was famed for romances with her co-stars during her years on Strictly, including fellow professional Vincent Simone.
Years later, she mentored boxer Joe Calzaghe on the show and ended up dating him.
After they split she got together with rugby hunk Ben Cohen, who she is still dating.
Kristina, 39, quit Strictly in 2015 to start a family but Shirley has insisted she would be happy to see her return in the future.
She said: “It would be absolutely fine. I have no issues with anybody being on the show at all.”
Shirley joined Strictly as the new head judge – replacing Len Goodman on the panel. And with just two weeks before the first live show, she has warned the celebrities she will not accept poor performances.
Shirley said: “I am coming in with extremely high standards. They have to stand on their feet strongly and have great balance and musicality. They need to have the arms as long as the legs and synchronise.
“They don’t want to look like octopuses flailing in the water. Then we have to have chemistry in the performance week in, week out – even if they don’t know what they’re doing. The show must go on.”
Shirley made her debut on the show last night in front of an estimated 10million viewers. She reckons “girl power” will mean she and Darcey Bussell are the ones in control. Shirley said: “I had butterflies of excitement in my tummy. But Darcey took my hand and walked me over.
“She was so lovely. I felt like I’d been cared for by her. “I know Bruno will be waving his arms like a helicopter and I’ll have Craig on the end with his remarks.
“I’m hoping to share a lot of information and we can keep the boys in check. But it will have to be organic for me. I’m not one of those people who can put things on.”