Strictly Come Dancing 2026 fans slam Shirley Ballas' treatment of Lacey Turner
Fans weren't happyStrictly Come Dancing 2026 fans were not happy with Shirley Ballas’ treatment of Lacey Turner during last night’s show (Saturday, October 25).
The judge, 66, was branded “harsh” in her feedback and scoring of the EastEnders stars’ routine, which the other judges lauded.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 judge Shirley Ballas criticises Lacey Turner
Last night, Lacey and her pro partner, Vito Coppola, performed a Salsa to the tune of Atomic by Blondie.
The other judges were big fans of the routine. Craig Revel Horwood said: “We’ve achieved the increased intent; it was manic to the detriment of the technique, my jaw was on the floor; loved it.”
Anton Du Beke said: “Stone the crows, every step went into that dance at 4000mph, take my hat off, exceptional commitment.”
Meanwhile, Motsi was just as enthusiastic, saying: “Vito, what are you doing to the woman? You have arrived, I love this Lacey, lady, Lacey.”
However, Shirley wasn’t as blown away by her co-stars, drawing boos from the audience.
“It had everything in it but the kitchen sink. For me it was over-syncopated, and it looked rough,” she said. “It looked technically rough. I like your commitment and power; the audience will love it, but you need decent footwork.”
Craig booes Shirley!
Even Craig joined in with the booing. He grabbed Shirley’s little black shoes, handed them to her, and said: “Put that in your gob, darling.”
The judges gave the routine a score of 29. Motsi and Craig gave it a seven, whilst Anton gave it an eight. However, Shirley only gave the routine a score of six. And it’s safe to say that viewers were not impressed with the judge.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 fans slam Shirley Ballas
Taking to X, fans of the show lashed out at Shirley and her criticism of Lacey’s routine.
“Craig was all of us during Shirley’s feedback for Lacey last night. You know there is something seriously wrong when Shirley is the only judge on the panel to turn against a celeb for a single dance – giving them scathing feedback because they’re a young woman when Lacey struggles with her self-confidence,” one fan said.
“Just watched Strictly after a day out; what’s a matter with Shirley??? Lacey and Vito were so good, but NOT good enough for Shirley,” another moaned. “I’m starting to think Shirley just doesn’t like Lacey! Have a word, @bbcstrictly, or get a new judge because she’s a joke,” a third fumed.
“Man, Shirley Ballas is on one tonight [eye roll]. Harsh on Lacey,” another said.
“Shirley is [bleeping] me off with how harsh she is with Lacey,” a fifth commented.
