Strictly Come Dancing's iconic head judge, Shirley Ballas, is spreading some positive vibes as she makes a confident prediction about the show's future. Despite recent hiccups that might have thrown lesser productions into chaos, Shirley is steadfast that "nobody is bigger" than the beloved dance competition. She believes it will grace our screens for many more years, continuing to capture the hearts of viewers across the nation.
The 65-year-old dance legend, who has been a part of the Strictly family since 2017, is navigating some changes in her judging role as the deciding vote in the dance-off is now a rotating responsibility among the judges. This means that Shirley isn't always the one calling the final shot each week, adding a new layer of excitement to the proceedings.
“Nobody is bigger than Strictly Come Dancing,” she told the press, “Not me, not any presenters, not any dancers – that show belongs to the people.”
The glam world of Strictly hasn't been immune to its fair share of scandals lately. Just recently, a former star was arrested, adding to the drama of another arrest two months back. And with host favorites Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announcing their last season together, some fans are understandably jittery about the show's future. However, BBC has reassured fans that Strictly is secured on their schedule until at least 2026.
Shirley continues to be the beacon of optimism, praising the BBC for their commitment to bringing joy to Saturday nights. She also highlights the invaluable contributions of the behind-the-scenes crew, emphasizing that they are the true magic-makers of the show.
This week brought unexpected turns as the glamorous La Voix, known off-stage as Christopher Dennis, had to withdraw from the competition due to injury. Tess Daly announced to the audience that La Voix wouldn't perform in Blackpool, marking a sad pause in her dance journey.
While the injury dashed her hopes of dancing further, La Voix expressed her heartfelt gratitude to fans and fellow dancers. She shared an emotional post on Instagram, declaring, "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."
Despite setbacks, Shirley's staunch belief in the show's legacy reassures fans that the dance floor is set to remain a staple in homes across the country. Strictly Come Dancing continues to be available for viewing on BBC iPlayer.