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Shirley Ballas defends criticism of Strictly contestant’s appearance

She had an explanation

Shirley Ballas has defended her comments about comedian Seann Walsh’s hair on last week’s show, and has also said he might be the “dark horse” of this year’s series.

Seann Walsh Strictly Come Dancing BBC
Shirley has explained her comments (Credit: BBC)

Shirley drew criticism from Strictly fans when she told Seann to tidy himself up because his shoulder-length hair was “flying all over the place” during his tango.

Some viewers thought her comment was too personal, and Seann himself joked that it was like she had told him to “have a wash”, adding: “I thought we were just going to be talking about the dance.”

But Shirley has now clarified her remark, and has suggested Walsh could potentially win the series if he tidies up his hair.

Seann’s hair was under attack (Credit: BBC)

Ballas told Zoe Ball on Strictly: It Takes Two: “First of all, in ballroom, most of the boys have a short back and sides (haircut), because they can show their elongated neck and shoulder lines.

“And then when they put their arms up, they have the most beautiful frame.”

“I rather think that Seann could be the dark horse, I called that last year with Joe McFadden.

“But I want to see that when he does ballroom, it’s a little bit different from the Latin, so my comment was more about getting that long neck, showing me the shoulder line, and the hair distracted, for me.

“It was just a little bit of a tip, a little bit of advice.”

Holby City star Joe won Strictly last year after Shirley dubbed him the “dark horse” of the series.

Seann Walsh Strictly Come Dancing BBC
Seann with partner Katya (Credit@ BBC)

Last week, in the first live show of the series, Seann had performed a tango to Justin Timberlake’s SexyBack with partner Katya Jones, while paying homage to BBC One drama series Bodyguard.

Seann and Katya scored a total of 18 points for their routine, putting them towards the bottom of the week one leader board.

Do you think Shirley gets a hard time for her constructive criticism? 

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