Strictly Come Dancing Head Judge Dreads Delivering Deciding Vote
Shirley Ballas, the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has revealed that she dreads having to make the final decision in the show’s dance-off. The 64-year-old star shared her concerns in an interview with Radio Times magazine, expressing her hope that the other judges would make the call instead of her. Shirley admitted, “I’m sitting there every weekend, thinking, ‘Dear Lord, my saviour, please let the other three make the decision so it doesn’t come down to me.'”
Despite the pressure of her role, Shirley acknowledges the responsibility that comes with being the deciding vote. She strives to send contestants home with confidence and affection, even though it can be emotionally challenging for her. The Queen of Latin shared, “My heart does have a little cry when I see them go because I’ve got to know them, and see them improving.”
Shirley Ballas faced criticism earlier in the series for a controversial decision, but she remains steadfast in her approach to judging. She explained her multi-faceted method, saying, “I have several hats. I have a technician hat, an empathy hat, and a snuggle-bunny cuddle hat if I feel they need it.” She added, “I can read the room, put it that way. I might think I’m going to say one thing, then I see that they have struggled or made mistakes.”
As a pivotal figure in the show since 2017, when she took over as head judge from the late Len Goodman, Shirley has no plans to step down anytime soon. She expressed her commitment humorously, stating, “I want to do ‘Strictly’ until I pop my clogs. I shall come in on my walking frame because I’m married to dance!”
The absence of external influence allows Shirley to judge freely, without any pre-determined script. She emphasised, “I don’t have anybody telling me what I can and cannot say. We have no earpieces. Nobody’s told what to say.” This independence enables her to provide authentic feedback to the contestants based on her expertise and intuition.
Shirley Ballas’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing has been marked by memorable moments and tough decisions, but her dedication to the show and its participants remains unwavering. As the season progresses, viewers can expect to see her expertise, empathy, and passion for dance shine through in her role as head judge.