A fab-u-lous replacement? The 5 celebs we’re backing to replace Shirley Ballas on Strictly as she sparks exit rumours
Is Shirley waltzing away?Shirley Ballas could be cha-cha-cha-ing away from Strictly according to reports – but don’t worry bosses as we have a fab-u-lous list of contenders…
Since joining the glitzy BBC one show in 2017, head judge Shirley has become a firm favourite with viewers. Recently though reports have suggested she could be set to leave.
So, with Shirley’s seat at the Strictly judging panel potentially looking for a replacement, here’s who we think should fill it.
Shirley Ballas sparks Strictly exit fears
Earlier this month, it was reported that head judge Shirley is heading over to the US to be a judge on the brand-new Dancing With The Stars spin-off show.
According to The Sun, Shirley will be on the judging panel, alongside her dancer son, Mark Ballas. He appeared as a pro on Dancing With The Stars for 20 years.
And this week, Shirley added fuel to the speculation following her comments about being a mother and grandmother. She told The Mirror: “I want to be a much better grandmother than I was a mother, as I was pursuing my career.”
Reflecting on her dancing career and being a mum she added: “I have told him I don’t think I was there for him. I used to have his teddy in my suitcase. It was very difficult for me.”
TV Guide has reached out to Shirley’s representatives for comment, and although Shirley’s future on the show has not been confirmed, we’ve put together a list of her perfect replacements – and one includes a current pro dancer…
Louis Spence
Camp, feisty and full of iconic one-liners, Louis Spence would make a fab-u-lous replacement for Shirley Ballas on Strictly.
The telly fave had been a professional dancer for over 30 years before shooting to fame in 2010 thanks to the smash hit Sky 1 show Pineapple Dance Studios.
And with several West End stints under his belt, it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about dancing. Plus, we can only imagine the hilarious and meme-worthy comments he would come out with…
Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips
Why not bring back a former judge? Although she left under awkward circumstances, Arlene Phillips has never ruled out a potential return.
Between 2004 and 2008, dancer and choreographer Arlene served as a judge on the hit BBC show alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli.
However, before the seventh series kicked off, Arlene was kicked off the show and replaced by another female judge. Nonetheless, speaking in 2024 about plans for a Strictly return Arlene teased: “Maybe a little chat…”
Neil Jones
Anton Du Beke did it so why not current pro dancer Neil Jones? Neil would make a great addition to the judging panel – and let’s be honest he’s been underused on the show recently…
For the 2025 series, Neil was snubbed by bosses after he failed to land a partner. Neil even poked fun at the BBC’s decision to bench him in a cheeky Instagram video. Maybe it’s time for a seat at the judging table eh, Neil?
Cheryl
A triple threat, it’s fair to say Geordie legend Cheryl can do it all – and that includes dancing. After shooting to fame in Girls Aloud, Cheryl went on to have a mega successful solo career.
She’s also no stranger to being a judge on a reality show. From 2008 to 2010, and again from 2014 to 2015, she appeared on X Factor.
And from 2019 to 2020 she was even a judge on a television dance competition The Greatest Dancer, so ballroom glamour wouldn’t exactly faze her.
Oti Mabuse
Oti Mabuse appeared on the BBC show from 2015 to 2021. She even took home the Glitterball trophy twice, winning in 2019 with actor Kelvin Fletcher and in 2020 with comedian/musician Bill Bailey.
After leaving Strictly in 2021, Oti has remained booked and busy. She has become a Loose Woman and appeared on I’m A Celebrity.
And last year, she went and joined the Irish version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, as the head judge. Could that be a warm-up for a stint on the British show? Fingers crossed!
Read more: All the female comedians in the frame to co-host Strictly, from Mel Giedroyc to Diane Morgan
