BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas claps back as she's hit with 'last series' probe

Shirley Ballas has found herself clapping back imediatley after Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 final after she was hit with cruel comments on social media.

The show's head judge was seen back live in the ballroom for one last time this year on Saturday night (December 14) as the BBC One dance contest's 2024 series came to a glittering end.

Shirley, alongside her fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke were on hand to enjoy the four finalists performances as they took to the floor with three dances each in a bid to be crowned the Strictly champions this year.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say 'shouldn't be allowed' in Chris McCausland and Tasha Ghouri's final complaint

They were also tasked with giving out their scores as per usual but in the final, their opinions were for guidance only as the public had the sole decision on who would win the series - and it was Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell who were seen lifting the Glitterball trophy at the end of the night.

But while the celebrations were underway, Shirley took to social media and hit back at one viewer who said: "Make the most of what should be your last show!!" to which she replied: "Thank you I will. Hope you enjoyed the show and found it positive."

When another fumed: "Worst dancer won again so won't be watching next year and yes I know it was the public and not blaming you for that. I would be interested to know how you feel about someone winning just because they were blind?" Shirley hit back: "I have total respect for the viewers opinions. Millions voted and everyone has their favorites. For me they all danced simply brilliant. A huge congratulations to our winners. All our finalists and to all who took part. I’m waking up feeling happy. Have a beautiful day."

Meanwhile, Shirley took to Instagram to heap praise on Strictly's newest champions as she hailed the show. Alongside a string of pictures of her with all the finalists - including enjoying a sweet hug with Vito and a chat with Lauren - she said:" Your @bbcstrictly Champions 2024 … @chrismccauslandcomedy and @diannebuswell.

"Huge congratulations to you both. I’m in awe of you. You are two truly extraordinary human beings and I am so very grateful to have crossed paths with both of you. Judging you each week has been a privilege.

"Thank you each and every one of you for tuning in and voting. We hoped you enjoyed the show as much as we did. A huge congratulations to @jbgill @laurenmayoakley @tashaghouri @aljazskorjanec @hadderstime @vitocoppola for your outstanding commitment to our show. Walk out this ballroom with your heads held high. You are true inspirations.

She added: "Ccongratulations also to everyone who danced for us this year. You were all wonderful and it has been a blast. I am forever grateful to be a part of a show that brings joy to millions of living rooms across the country. To all who work on and off the camera, thank you for putting on the best show on television. Thank you to you all for tuning in. I love you all. Have a beautiful Christmas. Hugs."