Introducing Strıctly’s new head judge
As she replaces len goodman as head judge on strictly this year, shirley ballas, 57, talks to nathalie whittle about being firm but fair, what she really thinks of her fellow judges, and how anyone can dance…
SHirley was born and raised in wallasey, wirral, and began dancing at the age of seven, winning her first major latin championship aged 18. She went on to win every title in the dance world several times over before retiring from dance competitions in 1996, and becoming a dance coach and judge for ballroom and latin american competitions. Though shirley has never judged on a tv show before, she has stepped in on the us show dancing with the stars to give masterclasses to the contestants.
This included her son, mark ballas, who was a professional on the show for nearly ten years, winning twice. Shirley was previously married to her former dance partner, corky ballas, but the couple divorced ten years
ago. Shirley now lives in california. I’ve always been a massive fan of strictly. i know what it’s like to be caught up in the show, waiting for saturday to come, to see who’s dancing to what and who stumbles at the end and which bad performance turns into a glittering one. I especially loved ed balls last year. whenever his number was on, all my friends and i would get up and dance because he was the person everyone watched and thought, “If he can do it, i can!” every series needs one of those.
When I started hearing whispers that len wanted to retire, I thought to myself, “I’d love to do that.” So I got in touch with the bbc to ask if I could try out and I was invited for a screen test. To be honest though, while I hoped I was in with a chance, I thought they might be looking to replace len with another male judge. I dropped to my knees when I got the e call to say I’d got it. I was completely ely overwhelmed with emotion. But honestly? I’M quaking in my boots about replacing len! His are the hugest shoes to fill, aren’t they? He hasn’t given me any advice as such, but when he found out it was me, he did say, “You go for it girl – You’ll be just fine.” That was lovely.
You might be surprised to know that len and i first met when i was 12.
He was a judge at a local competition and i remember seeing him smiling at all the children as they were going on to perform. Several years later, he became one of my teachers, then friends. He was the person i’d always invite to a dinner party – I knew everyone would be entertained with len around; He’s incredibly funny. >>