Who is Shirley Ballas? Meet the ‘Queen of Latin’ whose DWTS debut has raised questions about her Strictly future

Shirley Ballas has judged some of the biggest names in ballroom dancing. Now, the Strictly Come Dancing head judge is set to appear as a guest judge on the American show Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). Her son, professional dancer Mark Ballas, is also competing on the show.

The 66-year-old is the guest judge for the US show's Horror Movie Night on October 27. But she said, according to Prima magazine, “I’m 100% not leaving Strictly!”

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Who is Shirley Ballas?

Ballas is a British ballroom and Latin dancer, teacher, adjudicator and television personality. A native of Wallasey, England, Ballas began dancing at the age of seven.


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Known as the ‘Queen of Latin’, Ballas won the British Open to the World Latin American Championship three times and the United States Latin American Championship 10 times. She later worked as an instructor, mentor and judge of competitions.

How did Shirley Ballas become the Strictly Come Dancing head judge?

Ballas joined Strictly Come Dancing as head judge in 2017. She replaced Len Goodman, who had held the position since the BBC show began in 2004. Alongside fellow judges, she assesses celebrities’ routines with their professional partners, examining their technique, timing and performance.

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Her frank comments and scores have often sparked debate among viewers.“I've had more online bullying this time than I've had in any series of Strictly, particularly direct messaging, more so from the younger fans if their chosen one gets sent away,” she said, according to Independent.

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Why is Shirley Ballas joining Dancing With the Stars?

Dancing With the Stars is the American counterpart to Strictly Come Dancing. Both programmes pair celebrities with professional dancers for ballroom and Latin performances, which are judged by a panel and voted on by viewers.

Ballas's guest appearance is notable because it puts her in the judges' seats on the US show for the first time. She will join the panel for Horror Movie Night, scheduled for October 27, 2026.

Who is Shirley Ballas's son, Mark Ballas?

Mark Ballas is a professional dancer, choreographer and musician who has competed on the American Dancing With the Stars for years. He has won the show's Mirrorball Trophy three times.

He is competing in the 2026 season with Maura Higgins, known for Love Island and The Traitors US. His mother's guest judging appearance means she will assess his performance on the same programme where he has built his own career.