Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Shirley Ballas hits back at viewers amid scoring backlash
SHIRLEY BALLAS has broken her silence after she was criticised for “over-marking” by Strictly Come Dancing fans.
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Len Goodman’s replacement on the BBC show has caused a stir since joining the panel, and has so far awarded 10s to Debbie McGee, Alexandra Burke and Joe McFadden.
However, some viewers have suggested the 57-year-old has been too generous, however she did not agree when she was asked at last night’s Pride of Britain Awards.
Shirley commented: “I have been an adjudicator all my life. People are judged against themselves and not against each other. Every journey is a different one.”
The dancer continued: “In some ways, I love the viewers but they’re not ballroom dancers. Some of them are and they have great constructive criticism.
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I love the viewers but they’re not ballroom dancers
"But it doesn’t matter if you like one thing because someone is always going to like the opposite of what you like and that’s okay, it’s what makes the world go round,” during an interview with The Sun.
Shirley also went on to talk about the reaction she has received since signing up to the show, where she appears alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell.
"At the beginning it was very overwhelming. But I FaceTime my son [Dancing With The Stars professional Mark Ballas] every day, he does a lot of TV and that’s really helping,” she said.
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Shirley added: ”I have a great following on Twitter. I like constructive criticism but if they’re downright mean I just block them.”
The star wowed in a breathtaking blue gown for the star-studded London event, complete with a low-cut neckline and eye-catching metallic embellishment.
Strictly Come Dancing 2017 continues Saturday at 6.50pm on BBC One.