Shirley Ballas On The Resilience Of 'Strictly Come Dancing': The Show Must Go On

Shirley Ballas and Her Faith in 'Strictly's' Future

Shirley Ballas, the reigning head judge of BBC's iconic 'Strictly Come Dancing,' recently shared her unshakeable conviction that the show is destined to twirl across our screens for years to come. Despite a series of headline-grabbing scandals and changes in the judging system, Shirley remains confident. "Nobody is bigger than 'Strictly Come Dancing,'" she told The Sun on Sunday. "Not me, not any presenters, not any dancers – that show belongs to the people."

Since 2017, Shirley has been a staple of the 'Strictly' stage, and she continues to praise the unsung heroes behind the scenes for crafting the magic that lights up our living rooms every Saturday night. "It's a wonderful show," she stated, applauding the BBC for their relentless dedication to keeping the spark alive for viewers.

Changes and Challenges

The last few months have been a rollercoaster for the 'Strictly' crew. With a new rotating judging vote system, Shirley no longer holds the sole deciding power during the dance-offs. This twist, along with the recent arrest of a former star and the impending departure of beloved presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, has stirred public speculation about the show's trajectory.

Despite the drama, 'Strictly' is going strong. The show is in its 23rd series and has already been greenlit for 2026, quelling rumors about it being cut from the BBC lineup. As Shirley reflects on her journey with the show, she is optimistic: "It'll carry on ticking long after I'm gone and kicked my clogs."

La Voix's Heartfelt Exit

Even the glittering world of ballroom isn't without its hiccups. During a recent episode, Tess and Claudia announced the unfortunate withdrawal of La Voix due to injury. This 45-year-old RuPaul's Drag Race UK star, known offstage as Christopher Dennis, had to bow out of the competition despite being granted a pass to the next round.

La Voix shared her heartfelt disappointment on Instagram, writing, "I'm absolutely devastated to be withdrawing from 'Strictly Come Dancing'. This isn't the glittering exit I ever imagined, and it breaks my heart to feel like I'm letting people down." Although her journey on 'Strictly' was cut short, she remains grateful for the overwhelming support and cherishes the memories made.

With the remaining six couples set for their performances in Blackpool, the show carries on, proving its resilience and the enduring passion of its participants and fans alike.

'Watch 'Strictly Come Dancing' on BBC iPlayer to keep up with all the dazzling drama and dance!