Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Shirley Ballas reveals what she REALLY thinks of fellow judges
STRICTLY COME DANCING head judge Shirley Ballas joined Dan Walker and Louise Minchin on BBC Breakfast this morning to chat about the dance series.
Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Shirley Ballas reveals what she REALLY thinks of fellow judges
Shirley Ballas reveals what she thinks of the Strictly judges
The Queen of Latin, who replaced Len Goodman on the show, opened up about her experience so far and spilled the beans on her fellow judges.
When asked about Bruno Tonioli's recent absence from the panel on Saturday night after photos of him emerged enjoying some time off in Los Angeles, she defended: "Well obviously he flies back every week for Dancing With The Stars and Strictly, and I saw the photograph.
"It was just outside his dressing room and I think he just had some friends visiting. He's flamboyant and lovely and we missed him a lot this week."
She continued: "And Craig [Revel Horwood] is just a pussycat and mad as a hatter. He sent me flowers when it was my birthday, he spoils me rotten, he's lovely.
Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley Ballas revealed what she really thinks of the judges
Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley dished all on her fellow judges
"And Darcey [Bussell] is just motherly, even though she is younger than me, so beautiful, she is genuinely such a sweetheart."
"It's a great dynamic, we have a wonderful time," the 57-year-old added.
It came after Shirley confessed that she was stunned to have been offered the role of head judge but was thrilled bosses had chosen another woman to join the panel.
Strictly Come Dancing: Dan Walker and Louise Minchin probed Shirley about her time on the show
Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley said she was thrilled to be offered the job of head judge
"Well, I have to say I did fall to my knees, I was quite shocked," she admitted. "I was not expecting to get the job so it was a really nice surprise.
"I was pleased they gave it to a woman, I'm not going to lie."
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday on BBC One at 6.35pm.
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One at 6am.