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 has been head judge since 2017
“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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Shirley replaced the late Len Goodman as head judge
The full interview with Shirley Ballas is available in 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.”