Judge Nearly Quit BBC One Series Due to Trolls’ Abuse in 2022

Shirley Ballas, a prominent judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has revealed that she hired an assistant to help manage the flood of hateful messages and online abuse she has received in recent years. The move comes after the veteran judge came close to quitting the BBC One series in 2022 due to the relentless trolling she faced from online users.

Ballas, who has been a key part of the show since 2017, opened up about the emotional toll the abuse took on her, explaining that the constant barrage of negative comments and personal attacks almost led her to step away from the spotlight. “The abuse was overwhelming, and it really affected me,” she admitted. “There were times when I seriously thought about leaving Strictly because of the trolling.”

To manage the emotional and mental strain, Ballas decided to hire an assistant specifically tasked with filtering through the messages and ensuring that she isn’t exposed to harmful or toxic content. “I needed help to deal with it all,” she said. “I didn’t want to get bogged down in negativity, so having someone to sift through the messages has been a huge relief.”

The 63-year-old dance expert also mentioned that the online abuse escalated in 2022, particularly after controversial moments on the show and during her judging. Although she remains dedicated to her role on Strictly Come Dancing, the constant barrage of hate left her questioning whether it was worth enduring.

Despite the challenges, Ballas has continued to champion the importance of mental health and self-care. She has often spoken about the importance of maintaining a strong support system and protecting one’s mental well-being in the face of public scrutiny.

In a recent interview, she reiterated her commitment to the show, stating that the love and support from her colleagues and fans have helped her stay focused. “The good definitely outweighs the bad,” she added. “I’m grateful for the support of my friends and family, and I’m not letting the trolls win.”

Ballas’ experience highlights the darker side of fame, particularly the toll that social media abuse can take on public figures. As the new series of Strictly Come Dancing continues, Ballas has vowed to remain strong, reminding her followers that the online negativity should not overshadow the joy and passion she has for the show.