Strictly judge Shirley Ballas admits 'heartbreaking' part of show as it returns for 21st series

Former soap actress Ellie Leach made an explosive impression when she took to the dancefloor for his first live performance on Strictly Come Dancing last week. Alongside professional partner Vito Coppola, the star got top marks for her impressive jive.

Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach has all eyes on her at the moment, as she is impressing on the dancing show. In week one of the show, the 22 year old was told by head judge Shirley Ballas that she "has it all," but what fans might not know is she has a very famous cousin who she rarely speaks about. Ellie is best known for her role in Coronation Street playing Faye Windass, and part of her family on the show is Sophie Webster, who is played by, Brooke Vincent.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has been dating boyfriend Danny Taylor for five years, but has now revealed to fans that they have an 'unconventional' relationship.The 63-year-old met 50-year-old actor Danny in panto but rumours had been doing the rounds recently that the pair had split after Shirley admitted she hadn't seen him in "months". However, the dancing judge has firmly put speculation to rest and gushed that Danny is "the kindest and nicest man" she's ever met.

Adam Thomas became teary-eyed on Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday after the judges criticised his performance on the BBC One show.The ex-Emmerdale star, 35, performed a Tango to The Killers' Somebody Told Me with partner Luba Mushtuk during the second live show of the series. While the judges praised his acting skills and the 'character' he portrayed on the dance floor, they criticised his footwork and technique.

Strictly viewers slammed Shirley Ballas for her "bad cop" critique of actor Nigel Harman's performance on Saturday night.The actor, 50, danced a Viennese Waltz to Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez for week two of the competition with partner Katya Jones and received a score of 27/40 for the performance. After his high-scoring Paso Doble last week which saw him labelled as one to watch, Shirley didn't hold back with her critique of this week's dance after starting positive, saying: "Graceful arms and a lovely connection together." She then added: "Too many technical errors,” and listed off mistakes he made, saying he could do better by focusing on "simple footwork faults." But Anton said: “It was lovely, your intimacy was lovely and your storytelling was immaculate." However, he urged Nigel to take Shirley’s comments on board as he would be a better dancer for it.

Strictly Come Dancing fans say they spotted an awkward moment between EastEnders star Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell during the end credits of Saturday night's episode. Fans of the show claim they spotted the clanger after Bobby was seemingly caught getting confused about when he would next perform.

Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has fired back at a troll on social media who questioned if she'd had 'work done' after she was hit with criticism following the first week of the new series. The BBC One dance contest's head judge was back with her scoring paddles over the weekend.

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has fired back at a troll on social media who questioned if she'd had surgery.The 63 year old star was back on the panel of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night, as she wowed in an off-the-shoulder pink dress, elaborate earrings and glamorous makeup. A social media user posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, accusing Shirley of marking down one of the female contestants.They wrote: "Shirley underscores a Woman, it begins ...." before someone else replied: "Has Shirley had work done?" A third then said: "A facelift I believe." But Shirley clapped back as she said: "Lol for your information No I have not.

He's known for having a bit of a sharp tongue when it comes to his critiques in the ballroom but Strictly Come Dancing fans have found themselves jumping to Craig Revel Horwood's defence as the new series kicked off.

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing have reportedly been left 'hysterical' in fears that the TV studio is 'haunted' after the first live show. Some of the show's biggest dancing stars including Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Nadiya Bychkova and Nancy Xu are reported to have experienced weird goings-on. Strictly is filmed at Elstree Studios in London, but the judges and dancers are said to have been left feeling uneasy after hearing strange noises and having odd experiences that are unexplainable.

Strictly Come Dancing star Bobby Brazier left his proud father in tears after his very first performance in his Saturday night debut.The 20-year-old EastEnders actor took to the floor with his pro dancer, Dianne Buswell to perform the Foxtrot. Following their dance to McFly’s ‘It’s All About You’, the judges were left very impressed. Craig Revel Horwood praised Bobby for his “frame” and “storytelling”’.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have praised Craig Revel-Horwood for this "honest" scoring and critiques following the first live show of the 2023 series, which aired on Saturday 23 September. Craig, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are back on the judging panel for another year of Strictly.The celebrity line-up includes the likes of Adam Thomas, Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Angela Scanlon. The judges' scores during Saturday's show appeared to divide viewers, with many surprisingly supporting Craig, who is regularly criticised for his harsh comments and low scores.

The launch show last weekend was just a taster of what's to come as you could say that Strictly Come Dancing officially begins tonight. Last Saturday (September 16), fans of the BBC One dance contest got to see which celebrities had been paired with which professional dancer before their journey to the Glitterball trophy - hopefully - got started.

The much anticipated new series of Strictly Come Dancing has returned to our screens in spectacular fashion. And this Saturday (September 23) will see the 2023 celebrities perform for the first time in their couples.

Zara McDermott has put the blame on her Strictly Come Dancing co-star Graziano Di Prima for her nasty injury ahead of the live shows.

Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas sent fans into panic when she revealed she was ill in bed after returning from a trip to Rome.The 63-year-old ballroom legend said she suspected she'd picked up a bug on her holiday but was hoping a bit of rest would see her fighting fit in time for Saturday night's show.The Queen of Latin luckily had her devoted mum Audrey, 86, on hand to take care of her, bringing her some comfort food to her sick bed. Filming herself in a dark room wearing a dressing gown in bed, Shirley revealed she was using her resting time wisely - researching "the best air fryers". “What a difference a day makes," she said.

Fresh from this weekend's launch of the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, it has been announced that a bunch of celebrities and professional dancers from the show will be heading on tour next year - with a date at Manchester's AO Arena.

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has proudly shown off the results of an intensive year of high-tech beauty treatments that have visibly transformed her visage. The 63 year old dance expert has been seeing one of the UK's top cosmetic doctors, Dr Judy Todd for a series of the latest non-invasive procedures.These procedures have focused on her face and neck, which she confessed to "feeling down" about last year.

The glitz, the glam and the glorious - albeit sometimes questionable - dancing is officially back as Strictly Come Dancing finally returned to our TV screens. The new series of the BBC One dance contest began on Saturday night (September 16) with the launch show.

Series 21 of S trictly Come Dancing is now in full swing after the launch show kicked off on BBC tonight (Sept 16). The first show of the series saw all 15 celebrities make their debut on the dancefloor together for the first time, as viewers finally found out which stars would be paired with which Strictly professionals.