Strictly judge Shirley Ballas adamantly shuts down rumours that she's leaving the BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing is always dogged by rumours claiming that someone is going to leave the show soon, whether it's one of the presenters, the professional dancers, or the judges. This alone, there's claims that 2027 will see another major overhaul across in terms of who we see on the screen.

In a new interview with Prima, Shirley has insisted that she isn't going anywhere any time soon.

"I'm 100% not leaving Strictly!" she said.

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Shirley made the statement while talking about her guest judging slot on Strictly's US equivalent Dancing with the Stars this week (ironically, her son Mark is competing alongside Love Island's Maura Higgins).

"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", she explained in the interview, which was conducted before this week.

"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."

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When asked how she feels about Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly leaving and the trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking over, Shirley said: "Claudia and Tess started me off in 2017 and I had a beautiful relationship with both of them.

"They had the changing room next to mine so I could always hear them laughing and giggling – it was such a lovely vibe. So, of course, I was very saddened to hear [they were leaving]…

"Then, of course, I know Emma Willis, because I did Cooking with the Stars with her. And Josh Widdicombe I met several times on different shows that we've done and he is extremely funny. And who doesn't love a bit of Jojo? I've known him since 2018. He's just a superstar in my book."

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday and Sunday nights on BBC One and streams on iPlayer. The December 2026 issue of Prima is now on sale.

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Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.