Cops rush to home of Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas after ‘stalker’ seen taking photos before ‘lunging’ at her
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas has been forced to call in police over a stalker who was seen taking photos before “lunging” at her.
Shirley, who has received sickening death threats in the past, contacted cops after his pattern of behaviour left her frightened for her safety.
The 63-year-old is one of four judges used by the BBC show alongside fellow Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
She told how the man – who believes he knows her – also “lunged” at her in one alarming episode.
And it is understood investigating officers have since confiscated the man’s phone and computer as part of their probe into his actions.
Speaking exclusively 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.”
Shirley’s comments come in the wake of the Holly Willoughby ordeal, which saw Gavin Plumb jailed over a sick and depraved kidnap plot.
Warped Plumb, 37, hatched the sinister plan to ambush his so-called “fantasy” Holly at her home after growing obsessed with the star.
The 35st security guard also plotted to “stupefy” Holly using chloroform, before tying her up and taking her to a “dungeon” where her screams would not be heard “for miles”.
Earlier this month, Plumb was found guilty of soliciting murder, incitement to kidnap and incitement to rape following a harrowing trial.
Shirley admitted the former This Morning star’s ordeal had rocked her, revealing she has upped her security levels.
And she insists on checking in with her mum, Audrey, when she is away from home.
The star added: “I am a very vigilant person. When I go out, I’m careful not to go alone. If it’s at night, I’m always a little bit nervous.
“There’s what you read on social media, (and then) particularly with Holly – her experiences.
“So, yeah, I don’t take anything lightly. There are many amazing people, but there are a few strange people out there.
“It’s quite hard, and makes you always a little bit more precautious.”
Shirley said that he BBC’s duty of care towards her has been “one thousand percent” and “fantastic”.
It comes as Shirley was reportedly ordered to rein in her support for Giovanni Pernice by “furious” Strictly bosses.
Head judge repeatedly defied BBC orders by speaking out in support of Giovanni, 33, amid his complaint row.
Show stars had been instructed to remain quiet on his exit amid the ongoing investigation into his training room behaviour following complaints from Amanda Abbington and three other former celebrity partners.
But the ballroom expert has been vocal with her opinions and hasn’t shown any signs of wavering.
Just a few weeks ago, Shirley was more than happy to discuss the controversy at the TRIC Awards in London.
When asked if she would miss him from this year’s line-up, she said: “I think that the show will be absolutely amazing, I can say that, and all the boys and girls that are coming back are fabulous, that’s what makes Strictly so special.”
She previously branded him a “perfect gentleman” and defended his teaching technique.