Strictly’s Shirley Ballas ‘hates’ having the deciding vote despite being head judge

Ahead of the quarter-finals, has lifted the lid on the more challenging aspects of being a head judge.

The 64-year-old has been a permanent fixture on the show since 2017 and sits on the judging panel alongside , , and .

Alongside providing feedback and scoring points, Shirley is also tasked with having the final say if the panellists can’t come to a unanimous decision.

The professional dancer admitted she’s often desperate for the judges to agree and save her from the gut-wrenching decision, which she often receives backlash for.

Shirley confessed: “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.’”

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Shirley Ballas

Shirley Ballas has been head judge since 2017 (Image: BBC)

“But somebody has to do this job, and I try to send them home with as much confidence and affection as I can.

“My heart does have a little cry when I see them go because I’ve got to know them and see them improving,” Shirley added to .

The fan-favourite joined the panel to replace the late Len Goodman and has no plans to step down as head judge.

As she stated: “I want to do Strictly until I pop my clogs. I shall come in on my walking frame because I’m married to dance!”

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Len Goodman

Shirley replaced the late Len Goodman as head judge (Image: YouTube)

Radio Times

The full interview with Shirley Ballas is available in Radio Times (Image: Radio Times)

However, she did consider not returning to the competition series in 2023 after an “overwhelming” amount of hate from online trolls.

Last year, Shirley told the : “I think I’m getting stronger as the years go by but the trolling got to me last year: it was bad. I think I was just overwhelmed.

“I think I’m getting stronger as the years go by but the trolling got to me last year: it was bad. I think I was just overwhelmed.

“This year I’ve taken on a young man called Harry who does all my social media, which is proving to be just fabulous.”

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