Shirley Ballas to Guest Judge DWTS Amid Strictly Controversy

Shirley Ballas, the head judge of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has traveled to the United States to prepare for a guest judging stint on Dancing With The Stars. The 66-year-old dance professional is set to appear on the show's Season 35, Week 7, which features a Horror Movie Night theme and a double elimination format.

Guest Role on DWTS

Ballas joins the Dancing With The Stars panel as a guest judge for the upcoming episode. Her participation in the American series occurs while she continues to serve as the head judge for the UK version of the competition. The guest appearance is part of the show's special programming for the Halloween season.

Strictly Come Dancing Controversies

While Ballas prepares for her US engagement, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has faced significant viewer backlash. Audiences have demanded that Ballas be removed from the show after identifying what they describe as a huge problem with her judging. In a separate incident, Ballas opted to save the series' worst dancer during Week 5, a decision that drew attention ahead of the Halloween special.

Speculation regarding the future of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel has also emerged. Reports indicate that bosses fear a double exit is on the cards amid a major shake-up, with conversations about the panel yet to be finalized. Some judges are reportedly unsure about their continued roles on the program.

Ballas's move to the US for the Dancing With The Stars guest stint has raised fears that she could be set to quit Strictly Come Dancing. However, her current status remains that of the head judge for the BBC series, with no confirmed announcement of her departure from the show.