Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas says she’s ‘absolutely exhausted’ amid ongoing show scandals
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas has admitted she’s “absolutely exhausted” amid the BBC show’s ongoing turmoil.
The head judge, 63, was seen in a pair of pyjamas perched on a bed as she filmed her latest candid Instagram video.
This weekend, Shirley showed her support to fellow Strictly judge Anton Du Beke, 58, after he became the “fourth star dragged into the misconduct probe.”
It came after The Sun reported how Anton will now face a legal investigation over a historic row with former celebrity partner Laila Rouass, 53.
She has also flaunted a BBC ban to show her support for Giovanni Pernice.
This prompted bosses to order an edit to “rein in” support for the Italian amid a series of complaints.
Giovanni, 33, quit the BBC show earlier this year.
He is currently under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
The same investigation also saw his fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of “physical incidents” towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27.
It’s no surprise after the recent turmoil Shirley is eager for a boost.
She has found this in the form of a Revitalyse Drip called The Mayor’s Cocktail which was strapped to her right arm.
In her caption she wrote how it was a “shot of immune booster and B12” and put: “I’m exhausted and so I’m delighted when I get to New York because I can see my friend who owns Revitalyse Drips.
“I appreciate you Mike for always taking care of me when I’m feeling under the weather.
“This by far is the number one company for me.”
Mimicking the Tina Turner track, she added: “Simply the best, better than all the rest.
“Gratitude always.”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
It’s not just the Strictly scandal that’s been preoccupying Shirley.
Earlier this month, we told how she had called in police over an alleged stalker who was seen taking photos of her before “lunging” at her.
Shirley contacted cops after his pattern of behaviour left her frightened for her safety.
Speaking on the Mirror’s Invite Only podcast, Shirley said: “There was one particular person who was kind of stalking me. That is under investigation at the moment, as we speak.
“He was taking pictures of my house, he had my house, he had my car. So, yes, there have been times when I have been fearful.
“I meet people and they really, the majority of people are fantastic, but then once or twice you’ll, they lunge…. this one particular person will lunge at me, and he really feels he knows me.
“He feels he knows me. But he only knows me from the TV. Or from following me on social media. And that’s quite alarming.”