1 year ago

Strictly’s Shirley Ballas nearly quit dancing over ‘threats’ and ‘bullying’

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The ace dancer, 63, faced the career crisis shortly before being offered the role of head judge on the BBC dance series Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking to Lauren Laverne on the BBC Radio 4 series Desert Island Discs, Ballas claimed that men “at the top” of the dancing world had targeted her while she worked as a dance instructor. It will carry on until it becomes name and shame, and I’m pretty much close to doing that, I’ll tell you.” Ballas currently heads up the judging panel on Strictly, alongside Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton du Beke. Strictly’s Shirley Ballas Reflecting on the moment she weighed up leaving the industry, Ballas recalled: “Fortunately something aligned and I got the job on Strictly.

Bbc Strictly Shirley Ballas Ballas Dancing Newsletter Sign Indyarts My Industry dancing strictly bullying newsletter sign quit nearly free series shirley come ballas industry strictlys indyarts threats

History of this topic

2 weeks, 4 days ago

Strictly fans left ‘sobbing’ after emotional tribute to late stars – including Caroline Flack

The Independent

2 weeks, 4 days ago

The real reason why Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis did not appear in show's 20th Anniversary special 'is revealed'

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis reportedly chose not to appear in the BBC show's 20th Anniversary special on Saturday evening - despite her victory with pro dance partner Giovanni Pernice. And now sources have revealed that despite Rose loving her time on the show, she didn't want to take part in the anniversary special as she didn't wish to …

2 weeks, 4 days ago

Strictly legend left ‘fragile’ after unexpected exit from the show

The Independent

3 weeks, 4 days ago

Strictly’s Amy Dowden delights viewers as she returns to dancefloor for group routine

The Independent

1 month, 1 week ago

Who left Strictly Come Dancing? Montell Douglas is the tenth celebrity to be eliminated following third dance-off in a row - after fans accused show of 'setting her up to fail'

Daily Mail

Montell Douglas finally fell foul of the dance-off on Sunday night, as she became the tenth celebrity to be sent packing from Strictly Come Dancing during Musicals Week. Montell Douglas finally fell foul of the dance-off on Sunday night, as she became the tenth celebrity to be sent packing from Strictly Come Dancing during Musicals Week The Gladiators star, 38, …

1 month, 1 week ago

Strictly Come Dancing latest: Chris McCausland’s score sparks ‘undermarking’ accusations in Musicals Week

The Independent

✕ Close Chris McCausland and Strictly partner share emotional moment after 'joyous' dance performance Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read …

Who left Strictly Come Dancing? Jamie Borthwick is the ninth celeb to waltz away from the competition after fans blasted judges for 'constantly marking down' the EastEnders star

Trending News

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Who left Strictly Come Dancing? Jamie Borthwick is the ninth celeb to waltz away from the competition after fans blasted judges for 'constantly marking down' the EastEnders star

Daily Mail

Strictly's Jamie Borthwick and professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas became the ninth couple to leave the competition during Sunday night's results show. Strictly 's Jamie Borthwick and professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas became the ninth couple to leave the competition on Sunday The EastEnders actor, 30 was eliminated after landing in the dance off against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe - after …

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Strictly’s Amy Dowden says she would ‘do anything in the world’ to be dancing with JB Gill again

The Independent

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Strictly Come Dancing latest: Tasha Ghouri lands first 40 as JB Gill wins Samba-thon

The Independent

✕ Close Strictly's Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell in tears after judge's Blackpool score Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read …

1 month, 4 weeks ago

Strictly pro questions BBC show’s treatment of Shayne Ward after Shirley Ballas sends him home

The Independent

2 months ago

Why isn’t Amy Dowden competing on Strictly Come Dancing and who is her replacement?

The Independent

Strictly Come Dancing fans threaten to 'switch off' and predict 'show won't last much longer' as five professional dancers face axe amid ageism row

Trending News

2 months ago

Strictly Come Dancing fans threaten to 'switch off' and predict 'show won't last much longer' as five professional dancers face axe amid ageism row

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing fans have threatened to 'switch off' after it was revealed that five of the show's long-standing professional dancers could be axed. Reports on Thursday suggested that Nadiya Bychkova, 35, Neil Jones, 42, Karen Hauer, 42, Gorka Marquez, 34, and Katya Jones, 35, could all face the boot - sparking an ageism row Fan of the BBC show …

2 months ago

Strictly Come Dancing announces return of much-loved fan favourite during the next show

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing has announced the return of the much-loved Dance-A-Thon. As revealed on Strictly: It Takes Two on Tuesday, the remaining Strictly couples will take to the Ballroom floor together to impress the judges with their best Samba moves in this series Samba-Thon. Strictly Come Dancing has announced the return of the much-loved Dance-A-Thon The show's first Dance-A-Thon challenge …

Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova leads a string of pros 'at risk of being AXED as bosses eye a younger generation of dancers with Johannes Radebe poised to quit the show'

Trending News

2 months ago

Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova leads a string of pros 'at risk of being AXED as bosses eye a younger generation of dancers with Johannes Radebe poised to quit the show'

Daily Mail

Some of Strictly Come Dancing's biggest professionals are reportedly at risk of being axed in a huge shake-up. Among those at risk are thought to be Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones, four of which have already been eliminated from this year's competition. Some of Strictly Come Dancing's biggest professionals, including Nadiya Bychkova, are reportedly …

Strictly's Amy Dowden breaks down in tears and admits she's 'heartbroken' after being forced to pull out of the show following a foot injury - as she describes her show return as 'the best rehab' foll

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden broke down in tears during an emotional appearance on Wednesday's It Takes Two, after being forced to pull out of the BBC show in the wake of a foot injury. Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden broke down in tears during an emotional appearance on It Takes Two, after being forced to pull out …

Tearful Amy Dowden hints she may make a sensational Strictly return

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. He has so much rhythm in that body - …

Strictly's JB Gill insists 'the show must go on' as he gushes over Amy Dowden's 'amazing' replacement Lauren Oakley - and reveals surprising new challenge on Loose Women

Trending News

2 months ago

Strictly's JB Gill insists 'the show must go on' as he gushes over Amy Dowden's 'amazing' replacement Lauren Oakley - and reveals surprising new challenge on Loose Women

Daily Mail

Strictly's JB Gill insisted the 'show must go on' as he gushed over his new dance partner Lauren Oakley on Wednesday's episode of Loose Women. Strictly 's JB Gill insisted the 'show must go on' as he gushed over his new dance partner Lauren Oakley on Wednesday's episode of Loose Women JLS star JB, 37, is now paired with Lauren, …

2 months ago

Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

Daily Mail

Amy Dowden is reportedly 'set to return' to Strictly Come Dancing in just a few weeks, after being forced to pull out of the competition. Amy Dowden is 'set to return' to Strictly Come Dancing in just a few weeks, after being forced to pull out of the competition The professional dancer, 34, who is understood to be in remission …

2 months ago

Amy Dowden makes heartbreaking statement addressing Strictly replacement Lauren Oakley

The Independent

2 months ago

Strictly star makes refreshingly honest admission about her elimination

The Independent

2 months ago

Amy Dowden's poignant final words to Strictly audience before she was forced to pull out of competition

Daily Mail

Sam Quek has revealed Amy Dowden shared a final touching message of positivity, before she was forced to drop out of the competition. Sam Quek has revealed Amy Dowden shared a final touching message of positivity, before she was forced to drop out of the competition The professional dancer, 34, who is understood to be in remission from breast cancer …

2 months ago

Strictly's Amy Dowden breaks her silence after being forced to pull out of the competition and says her 'heart is broken' after return to the show 'set her free' following breast cancer battle

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has broken her silence after it was announced she would not be returning to the competition due to a 'foot injury' The Welsh dancer, 34, who is understood to be in remission from breast cancer and has Crohn's disease, was forced to pull out of last weekend's show after collapsing backstage. Strictly Come Dancing …

2 months ago

Strictly’s Amy Dowden ‘sadly’ departs competition early after foot injury

The Independent

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has left the BBC …

2 months ago

Amy Dowden’s future on Strictly Come Dancing revealed as BBC gives ‘sad’ update

The Independent

2 months ago

Strictly’s Amy Dowden appears in first TV interview after live show collapse

The Independent

2 months ago

Susanna Reid says Strictly contestants should be ‘supported’ after bullying scandal

The Independent

2 months ago

Furious Strictly fans claim star is 'breaking the rules' and accuse judges of giving them 'special treatment' in show first

Daily Mail

Furious Strictly Come Dancing fans have claimed that one star is 'breaking the rules' and accused judges of giving them 'special treatment' in a show first on Saturday night. Opera singer Wynne Evans, 52, is paired with professional dancer Katya Jones on the current series and this week they performed a Rumba for Icons week to Shirley Bassey's song This …

2 months ago

Watch as Strictly star Pete Wicks whispers sweet message to his dance partner Jowita Pryzstal seconds after huge dance error

Daily Mail

Pete Wicks was heard repeatedly apologising to his Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita Pryzstal seconds after finishing their routine on Saturday night. Pete Wicks was heard repeatedly apologising to his Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita Pryzstal seconds after finishing their routine on Saturday night The former TOWIE star, 36, transformed into Queen frontman Freddie Mercury as he opened the BBC …

2 months ago

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 already has a winner – the phenomenal Amy Dowden

The Independent

2 months ago

Strictly's Amy Dowden issues special message to dance partner JB Gill as he prepares to perform without her - after she was forced to pull out of show amid health scare

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has issued a special message to dance partner JB Gill as he prepared to dance without her on Saturday night. Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has issued a special message to dance partner JB Gill as he prepared to dance without her on Saturday night Ms Dowden, 34, was forced to pull out …

2 months, 1 week ago

Strictly’s Amy Dowden appears in first TV interview after live show collapse

The Independent

2 months, 1 week ago

Strictly's Amy Dowden gives a health update as she makes her TV return alongside JB Gill after being hospitalised following backstage collapse

Daily Mail

Strictly's Amy Dowden has given fans an update following her health scare last week. Strictly 's Amy Dowden has given fans an update following her health scare last week, as she appeared on the BBC spin-off show alongside JB Gill and Lauren Oakley on Friday The professional dancer, 34, won't be performing in Saturday's live show, with fellow pro Lauren …

2 months, 1 week ago

Who is replacing Amy Dowden on Strictly this week and will she return after live show collapse?

The Independent

2 months, 1 week ago

Strictly's JB Gill makes a surprising admission about new dance partner Lauren Oakley as he shares a major health update on Amy Dowden after her health scare

Daily Mail

JB Gill has revealed that he's 'learning to adapt' to a different style of dancing with his new partner Lauren Oakley, after she was forced to step in to replace Amy Dowden. JB Gill has revealed that he's 'learning to adapt' to a different style of dancing with his new partner Lauren Oakley, after she was forced to step in …

2 months, 1 week ago

Strictly's Amy Dowden admitted she was finding competing on the series 'very, very tough' just hours before her dramatic backstage collapse

Daily Mail

Amy Dowden told of her struggles at competing on Strictly after returning from her cancer battle. Amy Dowden shared her struggles with competing on the 'very, very tough' show this year just hours before her Halloween Special dance with JB Gill after which she collapsed The dancer, 34, who returned to Strictly after her battle with breast cancer, revealed she …

2 months, 1 week ago

Amy Dowden's Strictly partner JB Gill breaks his silence as dancer is forced to miss results show after being rushed to hospital

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing stars and viewers have rallied around Amy Dowden after the professional dancer was rushed to hospital over the weekend. JLS star JB Gill was forced to stand solo for Sunday night's results show after his partner Amy collapsed backstage after filming wrapped on Saturday's live show. Strictly Come Dancing star JB Gill was forced to stand solo …

2 months, 1 week ago

Amy Dowden misses Strictly results show after being rushed to hospital in 'medical emergency' leaving her dance partner JB Gill standing solo

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed pro dancer Amy Dowden would not be appearing in the results show on Sunday after she was rushed to hospital on Saturday evening. The Sunday Results show for Strictly is recorded after the live show on Saturday night, with Amy thought to have collapsed during the brief break the cast …

2 months, 1 week ago

Shirley Ballas cuts an elegant figure in cream coat during charity event at Heathrow after Amy Dowden was rushed to hospital following backstage collapse at Strictly live show

Daily Mail

Shirley Ballas looked in high spirits on Sunday, as she attended a hangar party at Heathrow Airport, for Dreamflight's charity trip. Shirley Ballas looked in high spirits on Sunday, as she attended a hangar party at Heathrow Airport, for Dreamflight's charity trip The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 64, looked the picture of sophistication in a cream coat, layered over a …

2 months, 1 week ago

Strictly Come Dancing viewers all share the same complaint over Shirley Ballas' Hocus Pocus Winifred Sanderson Halloween costume

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing fans all shared the same complaint over Shirley Ballas' Halloween costume during Saturday night's spooky special. Strictly Come Dancing fans all shared the same complaint over Shirley Ballas ' Halloween costume during Saturday night's spooky special The head judge looked unrecognisable as she transformed into Hocus Pocus character Winifred Sanderson 'Omg Shirley enough of the voice; Shirley …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson reveals his 'secret link' to one judge following after getting his marching orders from BBC show

Daily Mail

Paul Merson has revealed he has 'history' with one of the Strictly Come Dancing judges during an appearance on BBC Two spin-off, It Takes Two on Monday. The former footballer, 56, and his pro partner Karen Hauer, 42, became the fourth couple to depart the competition following a dance off against JB Gill and Amy Dowden. Paul Merson has revealed …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Strictly results are leaked AGAIN leaving fans 'shocked and confused' by another 'wild' dance-off

Daily Mail

Fans have been left 'shocked and confused' as Strictly Come Dancing results for this week have been leaked once again ahead of Sunday's show. Fans have been left 'shocked and confused' as Strictly Come Dancing results for this week have been leaked once again ahead of Sunday's show The BBC competition is set to air the prerecorded results show on …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 tonight latest: Chris McCausland sparks tears as Jamie and Montell top leaderboard

The Independent

✕ Close Blind comedian Chris McCausland stuns audience after dancing by himself For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Strictly Come Dancing stars Katya Jones and Wynne Evans are hauled in to explain 'in-joke' by 'dismayed' BBC bosses after awkward on-air exchange - despite broadcaster claiming they would not pursue i

Daily Mail

BBC bosses are thought to have reprimanded Strictly Come Dancing stars Katya Evans and Wynne Evans over the fallout from an apparently awkward exchange during Saturday's live show. BBC bosses have reportedly reprimanded Strictly Come Dancing's Katya Evans and Wynne Evans after the pair's awkward exchange on Saturday night The broadcaster hauled the duo in to discuss the viral social …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones hits out at ‘nonsense’ Wynne Evans furore

The Independent

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Strictly Come Dancing eliminates third contestant of 2024 series

The Independent

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Strictly 2024 leaderboard: The scores from week four of the BBC dance competition

The Independent

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Strictly Come Dancing: Anton Du Beke reveals how he used to cover for terrible dance partners

The Independent

2 months, 4 weeks ago

Strictly's Shirley Ballas insists she's 'not there to judge what happens backstage' after BBC's probe findings were published as she says she's 'never witnessed anything negative'

Daily Mail

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has insisted she's 'never been witness to anything negative backstage' after the BBC published its misconduct probe into professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has insisted she's 'never been witness to anything negative backstage' after the BBC published its misconduct probe into dancer Giovanni Pernice Speaking on Wednesday's This Morning, Shirley said …

3 months ago

Strictly Come Dancing LIVE: Movie week sees Craig Revel-Horwood booed and big first after a week of scandal

The Independent

✕ Close Strictly 'hidden' mic captures Nick Knowles's funny confession during live dance Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Week three …

3 months ago

Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard: Movie Week 3

Daily Mail

Read articles that feature this panel Strictly Come Dancing viewers left emotional and praise Sarah Hadland's Dame Maggie Smith tribute following her death aged 89 It was revealed that the actress, who starred as Minerva McGonagall in seven of the eight Harry Potter films, passed away inside a hospital. Nick Knowles watches Strictly Come Dancing on crutches as Tess Daly …

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3 days, 10 hours ago