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Strictly hosts evaluate Shirley Ballas's first series

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

From Digital Spy

It certainly seems like Shirley Ballas has the full support of Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to return to the show next year.

Shirley took the all-important tie-breaking chair on Strictly's judging panel from Len Goodman throughout the autumn series, not without some controversial moments on the way.

But two important members of the Strictly team are huge fans of the new head judge. On Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Wednesday (December 13), Tess and Claudia were effusive as they rated Shirley's first go-round.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

"I think she's made an effortless transition," Tess beamed. "Big shoes to fill. I think she's been brilliant. I love her to bits. She's genuine. She feels like the real deal. She's warm. She's Northern. She's utterly brilliant."

"Also, she's really funny and really warm," Claudia added. "She's the first person to offer a cup of tea... she's absolutely amazing."

However, there's one judge who isn't getting the seal of approval from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman these days. We're certain you can guess who...

"[When the contestants come to me,] their mouths are dry, they can't speak with the nerves," Tess said.

"I just feel for them. If there are mean comments, not mentioning anyone in particular - Craig [Revel Horwood] - I do feel I need to stick up for them but then I can't because the judges are doing their job. But I do feel for [the contestants]."

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Last week, Shirley Ballas confirmed that no decisions have been made about her future on Strictly Come Dancing but she seems genuinely happy with how things have gone this year.

"With Darcey, Bruno and Craig, I've had an absolutely amazing time," she added on It Takes Two on Monday. "Everybody's treated me so well. It's just felt phenomenal."

The Strictly Come Dancing grand finale airs on Saturday (December 16) at 6.30pm on BBC One.


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