Shirley Ballas says Strictly Come Dancing 2025 will be 'tough'
Shirley Ballas - Strictly Come Dancing's Head Judge - says the new series of the hit BBC Latin and ballroom show will be "tough".
Shirley Ballas thinks the new series of Strictly Come Dancing is going to be "tough".
The 65-year-old Head Judge on the hit BBC Latin and ballroom programme cannot predict which of the 15 celebrities taking part will be eliminated first because during the September 20 launch show, she discovered they have "all got a personality".
And after seeing the stars doing their first group routine with their professional dance partners during the launch show, Shirley thinks "one or two" of the celebrities have "got the moves" to take them far in the 12-week competition.
Appearing on Tuesday (23.09.25) morning's episode of ITV's Good Morning Britain, anchor Susanna Reid, 54, asked "the Queen of Latin": "Who's going to win, Shirley?"
Shirley replied: "Well, you know, it's actually an even playing field. There's one or two of them that have got the moves, but I think this is going to be a real tough series, I really do.
"I wouldn't even like to predict who I think is going to go home first. I had a good look when they were all doing their little dance on the launch show, and they've all got a personality - all of them."
But one celebrity the star loved in particular was Ellie Goldstein, 23, who is partnered up with 32-year-old professional dancer Vito Coppola.
Speaking about Ellie - the first model with Down Syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue magazine - Shirley said: "Ellie was just outstanding.
"She came out, and she's loving every minute of this, and she just brought so much joy."
Strictly Come Dancing - of which the first live show of the new series begins on Saturday (27.09.25), and the first eviction show takes place on Sunday, October 5 - has faced controversy over the past few years.
This includes the show's former professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice, 35, being suspended from the show after his 2023 partner, 51-year-old actress Amanda Abbington, made a complaint about his conduct - which was partially upheld following an investigation.
And this year's contestant, The Apprentice 2019 star Thomas Skinner's signing sparked online backlash due to being pals with US Republican Vice President JD Vance.
Before the Strictly Come Dancing launch show, Thomas, 34, admitted he cheated on his wife Sinead Chambers with Amy-Lucy O'Rourke just weeks after their wedding in May 2022 - which Sinead forgave him for.
Quizzing Shirley about the controversy that has hit Strictly Come Dancing, Susanna asked: "When you are there at the show recording, are you under a sense of responsibility because of the scandal that's hit Strictly?
"Do you even consider it - obviously, we've got the issue around Thomas Skinner, we've got previous scandals. Or is it like a completely different planet of sequins and sparkles, and it just doesn't touch the sides?"
And Shirley insisted she does not get involved in the show's controversy.
She responded: "It doesn't even touch the sides.
"Baubles, bangles and beads for me. I stay in my lane. I am there to do a critique from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.
"Co-ordination, synchronization, beautiful personality. I don't get involved in anything."
