Shirley Ballas hits back at BBC Strictly Come Dancing accusations and 'stands by decision'

Shirley Ballas has defended her decision to send Shayne Ward home amid accusations of being 'biased' during the dance off with Wynne Evans. The BBC Strictly Come Dancing head judge has said she stands by her decision "150 per cent".

The head judge of the BBC dance competition, 64, said she was called 'evil' by some viewers. Speaking on Friday at the Winter Gardens to launch her second fiction novel, Dance to the Death, Shirley said she "stands by her decision 150 per cent".

She added: '"The audiences at home see certain camera angles, with all the effects and things like leaves falling down on the screen. But as judges we just see the cold ballroom as it is. We see all the footwork and landings, little mistakes, things like that, that influence our decision."

READ MORE Premier Inn customers furious over change to hotel bars that's 'needless'

Fans wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "So wrong, Shirley Ballas makes me so cross. When judging it's ok to say one was joyous when they are dancing the same. How on earth can anyone say that when it's a gallop against the rumba."

"Hopefully b****y go compare man will go next week. Shayne was the better dancer by far. Shirley and anton are so biased," a second said. "If @ShirleyBallascan’t be impartial she shouldn’t be a judge let alone head judge. “Joyous” as a reason to save someone. Pathetic. #Strictly", another raged.

"Wrong so wrong #strictly Just because he's called Wynne doesn't mean he should.. Can you even do a joyous Rhumba Poor Shayne," another commented. Shayne said during his exit interview: "I just want to say, you guys up there [the other contestants in the Clauditorium] are a dream. Every single day, coming in here and seeing you guys you helped me so much. I want to say thank you to the audience as well, for always being amazing for us all. This has been, honestly, one of the best things I've ever done.”