Strictly bosses change dance-off rules to 'protect Shirley Ballas after she endured years of death threats and online abuse over her decisions' liennhi
Strictly Come Dancing has introduced a major new twist, partly to reportedly 'ease the pressure on head judge Shirley Ballas', who has faced years of relentless trolling over her dance-off decisions.
Since joining the panel in 2017, Shirley, 65, has carried the burden of the deciding vote whenever the judges were split on which couple to save.
But that responsibility has now been lifted, with the power instead rotating each week between her fellow judges
Speaking about the new set-up, Shirley said on Saturday night: 'For seven years, I have been responsible for one gruelling decision. But that's about to change.'
Co-host Tess Daly explained that viewers will now choose which judge gets the casting vote each week.
While there were multiple factors that were reportedly behind bosses' decision to make the change, including adding more drama to the results show, it did come amid claims that Shirley had asked for support in handling the relentless online abuse she has faced over her past decisions.
Strictly has introduced a major new twist to reportedly ease the pressure on head judge Shirley Ballas, who has faced years of relentless trolling over her dance-off decisions
Since joining in 2017 Shirley, 65, held the casting vote, but it will now rotate weekly between the other judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke (pictured)
A source told The Mirror: 'A happy by-product of the change will mean that Shirley is subject to less vitriol.
'The fundamental reason behind the switch-up in the rules is to make the show more exciting but it's fair to say that any move that lessens one judge unfairly facing abuse all the time is welcome too. Especially one as loved as Shirley.'
Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
In previous years the ballroom star - who joined the panel in 2017 after previous head judge Len Goodman stepped down from the role - has been subjected to cruel remarks online, with some trolls even sending her death threats.
The vile comments left her struggling with her mental health so much that she once considered quitting the show altogether.
Speaking in an interview with The Times two years ago, the star opened up about the sorts of cruel messages she received, with some users even accusing her of being racist.
She explained it was comments like 'Just, how ugly you are and how fat you are, and how you've got horrible arms, and, ''You don't like men. You don't like women. You don't like black men. You don't like black women''.'
Shirley revealed that the racist accusations especially were the hardest to deal with and although she might seem tough on the TV it's just a front she puts on.
Speaking about the new set-up, Shirley said on Saturday night: 'For seven years, I have been responsible for one gruelling decision. But that's about to change'
The change comes after Shirley reportedly asked for support in handling the relentless online abuse she has faced over her past decisions
'That's a front. Something I've learnt from my mother. ''Don't whine. Get on with it''.'
It was reported that same year that after a stand-off with Strictly bosses Shirley was offered a pay rise of £55,000 after she '
Shirley has previously revealed she was forced to seek counselling after the abuse she received.
She opened up on how she got through the abuse, and admitted she 'wouldn't want it for anyone'.
Speaking to OK! magazine, she explained: 'I've had down and dark days throughout my whole life but I've always had music and I've always had dancing. And of course I've got my mother and we're glued at the hip.
'What it [the trolling] did to me on the last series, I wouldn't want that for anyone.'
Shirley has previously spoken about the toll the abuse she has received, leaving her struggling with her mental health so much she once considered quitting the show altogether (pictured performing on Saturday night)
The star has been undergoing counselling for over two decades.
Explaining her attitude towards it, she said: 'I'm not embarrassed to say that now, although I was in the past as I thought people might think I was weak.
'But you know what? Sometimes counselling is just about having someone there to listen. So there's nothing wrong with reaching out for help.'
The Daily Mail has contacted Shirley's representatives for comment.
Exclusive: Troubled Strictly curse couple Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff get back together after split amid money problems liennhi
TROUBLED Strictly curse couple Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff have rekindled their relationship.
Pals say the retired England rugby ace and ex-pro dancer are trying to work things out after a year which saw them split amid financial struggles.
We revealed they had broken up in March, six months after Ben said he was “fighting” to save his relationship and home.
But they were seen cosying up at a fashion event on Saturday night — with our exclusive pic showing her with her arm around him.
Rugby World Cup winner Ben, 47, and Russian Kristina, 48, attended a London awards ceremony, where one of his daughters was on the catwalk.
A source said: “They’ve decided to give things another go.
"They looked very much in love.”
The couple’s businesses, including a yoga firm, were hit by spiralling debts during Covid.
Ben told a court last September during her unsuccessful driving conviction appeal: “I fight not to lose everything — my cars and my house and my relationship.”
They put their five-bed home in Sywell, Northants, up for sale for £1.75million and both still lived there despite splitting. It is yet to sell.
Ben split from wife Abby after being paired with Kristina in 2013’s Strictly.
Kristina split from ex-boxer Joe Calzaghe, her 2009 dance partner, earlier that year.
