Ballas tells of ‘bullying’ in dance world

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has said she finally feels body confident after years of “bullying” in the dance industry.

Ballas, who replaced former head judge Len Goodman on the show this year, has also revealed that she is single and is looking for a “kind, caring and loving” partner.

The 57-year-old told Hello! magazine, of her thoughts on her appearance: “I am self-critical and always have been.

“There was some bullying going on in my industry, which I felt particularly when I was growing up and as I got older.

“But over the past two years I have got my head into a good space and now just want to be a good role model for people and show that eating well and getting plenty of rest is what you need to do.”

Ballas, who has been married twice, told the magazine she tried online dating, but she is “completely” single following the end of her last relationship two and a half years ago.

“If I was in a relationship again it would have to be with somebody that really cared about me, who was kind, caring and loving,” she said.

Of some of the initial remarks from Strictly viewers when she appeared on the judging panel, Ballas said: “I haven’t tried to change.

“There are always some people who like what you do and there’s always going to be some who don’t like what you do.”