Shirley Ballas, 66, rules out Strictly exit amid reports all four judges are set to quit and says she has 'no desire to get married' after being linked to dancer, 36

Having taken on a sparkling new role across the pond on Dancing with the Stars, she's made no secret of the fact that she's looking to the future.

But with rumours abound that she's set to waltz away from Strictly Come Dancing when her contract runs out this year, Shirley Ballas has defiantly stated that she is '100 per cent' staying on the BBC show.

The head judge, 66, has also said that she will never marry again following the breakdown of her engagement to Danny Taylor in 2024 because she doesn't want to 'answer to anybody'.

Ms Ballas, who joined in 2017, had been rumoured to leave the long-running in favour of its US counterpart following the end of her contract this year.

Posing on the cover of Prima magazine for its December issue in a red ruffled ballgown, she said: 'I have an opportunity this year, judging for the first time on Dancing With The Stars for Halloween.

'So I'll do Strictly and then I'll fly over to the US and judge that, then come back again.

With rumours abound that she's set to waltz away from Strictly when her contact runs out this year, Shirley Ballas has defiantly stated that she is '100 per cent' staying on the BBC show

The head judge, 66, has also said that she will never marry again following the breakdown of her engagement to Danny Taylor in 2024 as she doesn't want to 'answer to anybody'

'So it's double duty this year. That was a job I've always wanted. It's been on my wish list.

'I feel that Dancing With The Stars will be a slightly different audience. I think I can probably be more strict.

'It's going to be very interesting. But I'm 100 per cent not leaving Strictly!'

The mother-of-one's son Mark, who is a professional dancer on DWTS, lives in the US with his wife and two children.

With such a busy schedule, Ms Ballas would be forgiven for not wanting to settle down.

She ended her long-term relationship to toyboy fiancé Taylor, 53, after six years, in 2024.

Despite this, the Latin dancer, who has earned several championship titles and the 'Queen of Latin' nickname, has said that while she is open to dating, she will never say 'I do' again.

'At this time of life, I've got no desire to get married. I don't want to answer to anybody,' she said. 'I want to be able to do my own thing.'

After facing judgment for her age-gap romance with her ex, Ms Ballas added she would 'never share' details of a relationship again.

Last month, the Cheshire native was spotted enjoying a stroll with Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, 36, in a south London park.

The pair appeared close as he put his arm on her back while queuing for a cafe.

Just like Ms Ballas, her Strictly co-stars Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke's contracts also come to an end this year, with insiders previously warning that 'any of them could walk away'.

Ms Ballas, who joined in 2017, had been rumoured to leave the long-running in favour of its US counterpart following the end of her contract this year

The Latin dancer, who has earned several championship titles and the 'Queen of Latin' nickname, has said that while she is open to dating, she will never say 'I do' again

Just like Ms Ballas, her Strictly co-stars Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke's contracts also come to an end this year

In 2023, they angered BBC bosses by asking for an 11 per cent pay rise, and sources have recently said it is unlikely they will receive rises this time amid the corporation's budget cuts.

Ms Ballas has not been without controversy since assuming her role on the judging panel, having faced allegations of favouritism, bullying and harshly scoring amateur contestants.

Earlier this year, the Daily Mail revealed how she had a dressing-down from BBC executives for flouting the corporation's strict Editorial Guidelines by recreating elements of Strictly for an MSC Cruises voyage without permission, which she was paid for.