Strictly's Shirley Ballas brands Johannes a "superstar" as she addresses show shakeups

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has opened up on the show's recent huge changes. Long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly stepped down from their positions at the end of 2025 to be replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.

It has been a rocky start for the trio, with Josh facing intense scrutiny from fans of the show, which prompted professional dancers and his showbiz friends to urge viewers to be kind.

Shirley, who joined the show in 2017, has spoken out about the upheaval, heaping praise on the new hosts as well as their predecessors.

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In an interview with Prima, Shirley said: "Claudia [Winkleman] and Tess [Daly] 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.

Talking about Johannes, she continued: "And who doesn’t love a bit of Jojo? I’ve known him since 2018. He’s just a superstar in my book."

Shirley also opened up about being head judge on the show, a position she has held since 2017.

"I know at the bottom of my heart and in my twinkled feet that Craig Revel Horwood loves every moment of sending someone home," she said.

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"He really does [have the casting vote]. When everybody got a turn to do that, Motsi [Mabuse] wasn’t so struck on it. Maybe not Anton [Du Beke] either, but Craig couldn’t wait to have a little turn.

"So when I see him so joyous, I think, yeah, that’s a good move. Everybody’s up there, we’re all doing the same job and to have the title of head judge, of course, is lovely, but it’s also nice that they get a turn to send somebody home."

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday and Sunday nights on BBC One and streams on iPlayer.

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn