![]() ![]() |
New Strictly Judge Confirmed |
Post Reply ![]() |
Page 12> |
Author | |
Bren ![]() Vintage Vamp ![]() ![]() Private Dancer Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 61089 |
![]() ![]() ![]() Posted: 09 May 2017 at 10:57 |
Shirley Ballas has just been confirmed by the BBC as Len's replacement on SCD.
Terrific news imo a WORLD class Judge, trainer and dancer who really knows her stuff. Originally from Wallasey, Shirley has lived many years in the States and trains many of the worlds leading latin dancers and travels extensively lecturing and judging |
|
![]() |
|
Bren ![]() Vintage Vamp ![]() ![]() Private Dancer Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 61089 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Strictly Come Dancing confirms new head judge Shirley Ballas to replace Len GoodmanA new judge will join the panel of the BBC series following the departure of stalwart Len Goodman last series Shirley Ballas has been confirmed as the new Strictly Come Dancing judge who will replace Len Goodman on the panel. The 56-year-old was a surprise name to be involved in the auditions for the role at the end of last month, with many viewers expecting a former Strictly dancer to get the role. But bosses have chosen Shirley for her ability and experience as a dance coach and were also impressed by her work on screen on US show Dancing With The Stars. ![]() In another shock move, despite her inexperience on Strictly itself, Shirley will even take over Len’s role as Head Judge with the casting vote in the dance-offs. Shirley said: “I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel. "Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan. I just can’t wait!" ![]() Her co judge Darcey Bussell said: “I look forward to meeting Shirley and welcoming her to our Strictly team. Her years of experience in Ballroom and Latin dancing are impressive and I’m sure she will be a great addition to our judging panel.” Craig Revel Horwood said: “Fantastic news that Shirley will be joining me and the other judges on the panel. I look forward to working with her on the next series of Strictly!” And Bruno Tonioli, who has worked with her in the US, added: "I know Shirley well - she is an incredible Latin dancer and trainer and I am sure she will be a great addition to the Strictly team.” ![]() The former Dancing With The Stars expert outshone her rivals when she auditioned at the end of last month in front of BBC execs when they mocked up a mini Strictly show at Elstree studios and asked her to comment on dancers who performed. They moved quickly to thrash out terms and she has now signed up for the 2017 series and the Christmas Special. When it was first reported that Shirley had auditioned, it was claimed she has already been hit by the so-called Strictly ‘curse’ on relationships. Her dancer ex-husband Corky Ballas, 56, left her for former Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff after he became her teacher in 2003. ![]() Originally from Wallasey, Shirley is a former 'British Open to the World' Champion, European, German, United Kingdom, United States and International Latin American Champion. She retired from competitive dancing in 1996 and is now an acclaimed and respected international coach to many of the top professional and amateur dancers as well as a highly renowned sought-after adjudicator for Ballroom and Latin American competitions judging all around the world. Nicknamed the ‘Queen of Latin’, Shirley is one of the top and most decorated professional dancers in the world. She is three-time ‘British Open to the World’ Latin American Champion, 10-time United States Latin American Champion, and multiple-times British National Champion. By the age of 21, Shirley had won nearly every major title she competed in worldwide. She is the only person to have ever won the ‘British Open to the World’ Latin American Championships in Blackpool with two different partners and reached the finals an impressive 17 times. Shirley still remains the youngest ever female to reach the ‘British Open to the World’ Dance Championship finals. Shirley is mother to Mark Ballas, the musician, Broadway star, professional dancer and two-time winner on Dancing with the Stars in the US Shirley was also guardian to professional dancers Julianne and Derek Hough during their childhood in London. The two-time and six-time winners of Dancing with the Stars respectively are still part of her family to this day. Other names who auditioned for Len’s role included ex-pro Karen Hardy and Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars judges Loraine Barry and Brian Redmond. ![]() ![]() Len Goodman left the show after 12 years and said at the time: "This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of Head Judge to someone else. "It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.” Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content says, “Len’s are big shoes to fill, but the ‘Queen of Latin’ is the ideal new Strictly judge. "Shirley Ballas is a British ballroom expert whose credentials speak for themselves; she’s going to be a fabulous addition to the best judging panel in showbiz Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 15th series this autumn on BBC One. |
|
![]() |
|
Maisie ![]() Enticer ![]() Joined: 15 Nov 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 861 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Great news - glad she's head judge too, you couldn't really let any of the others do it, over her.
|
|
![]() |
|
Thess ![]() Rampant Rabbit Fan ![]() ![]() Joined: 10 Oct 2006 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2780 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
I couldn't be more pleased. I would have been content with Karen Hardy, truth be told, but Shirley is a brilliant addition to the judging line up. Credentials second to none and a great personality too.
|
|
Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.
|
|
![]() |
|
Bren ![]() Vintage Vamp ![]() ![]() Private Dancer Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 61089 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Hi Thess and Maisie great to see you here Thess hope all is well
am delighted by Shirley too - what a choice!! and a Wallasey girl too for those who are not familiar with her here is a vid of her on DWTS access all areas talking about the SCD/DWTS franchise round the world - saying she has at some point taught most of the pros worldwide on the shows Edited by Bren - 09 May 2017 at 14:13 |
|
![]() |
|
anniemay ![]() Enticer ![]() ![]() Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Location: West Midlands Online Status: Offline Posts: 675 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
From what I have learnt from the knowledgeable people on here, it sounds like a very good choice.
|
|
![]() |
|
Thess ![]() Rampant Rabbit Fan ![]() ![]() Joined: 10 Oct 2006 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2780 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Hi Bren. Things are up and down, as you'd expect, but we're getting there. Thanks. Been thinking about your family lately too - not much anyone can do about what life throws at you, but to try and keep your chin up and soldier on. Love to all - J x
|
|
Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.
|
|
![]() |
|
littlesue ![]() Enticer ![]() Joined: 20 Dec 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 937 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Congrats to Shirley, sure she will be great. They all moaning of Facebook about Anton not getting it though
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
Thess ![]() Rampant Rabbit Fan ![]() ![]() Joined: 10 Oct 2006 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2780 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Doesn't surprise me, he has a very loyal band of followers. Dance credentials aside, he has a Marmite personality and there is already two judges like that on the panel. Shirley will balance the judging panel both on gender and dance ability and will be able to critique fairly and honestly without resorting to trite cliche or lewd remarks. After last series, which I didn't even watch after show 2, I am genuinely interested in the show once more. The Frock Spot could even be back (If you'll have me Bren!)
|
|
Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.
|
|
![]() |
|
Bren ![]() Vintage Vamp ![]() ![]() Private Dancer Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 61089 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
would love the frock spot Thess
|
|
![]() |
|
Bren ![]() Vintage Vamp ![]() ![]() Private Dancer Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 61089 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
for those who don't know Shirley this video is worth a look
|
|
![]() |
|
Jo Bird ![]() Will Sell Body for Cash ![]() ![]() Joined: 26 Mar 2012 Location: Somerset Online Status: Offline Posts: 1849 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
I'm glad the bbc have chosen someone new to the show..
Works better than having an insider (imo) . It will be interesting to see if Anton & Brendan renew their contracts. I missed the frock spot too Thess. |
|
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.
|
|
![]() |
|
Bren ![]() Vintage Vamp ![]() ![]() Private Dancer Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 61089 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
JO!!!! glad to see you here
totally agree re judge much better someone new and am amazed BBC picked such a good one!!! I wonder re Anton and Brendan -think Brendan will not sure re Anton SOME GOSSIP FOR YOU ALL GARY EDWARDS WHO WAS IN THE RUNNING FOR JOB HAS EXTENDED HIS VISIT TO UK AS ANOTHER TV CHANNEL HAS APPROACHED HIM FOR SOMETHING ELSE DOI? OR A NEW DANCE SHOW? |
|
![]() |
|
Jo Bird ![]() Will Sell Body for Cash ![]() ![]() Joined: 26 Mar 2012 Location: Somerset Online Status: Offline Posts: 1849 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Hi Bren . It's nice to be back
![]() Any rumours on celebrities for this year yet? |
|
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.
|
|
![]() |
|
deborah31 ![]() Nymphomaniac ![]() ![]() Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Location: East Angular!! Online Status: Offline Posts: 4968 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Glad it's not Anton, or Brendan, nice to have another woman on the panel too, from what I read here, a well respected one, good to get a mature lady too!
|
|
Loose Lips, Sink Ships !! or as they say in Jamaice, 'Mouth open, Story fly out!'
|
|
![]() |
|
Bren ![]() Vintage Vamp ![]() ![]() Private Dancer Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 61089 |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
hi debs - good to see you back, hope all is well with you
|
|
![]() |
Post Reply ![]() |
Page 12> |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions ![]() You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |