Shirley Ballas will reportedly return as Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge for a second series.
According to The Sun, the professional dancer and choreographer will once again join Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell on the judges’ table.
Shirley, 57, joined the hit show last year, taking over from Len Goodman as head judge.
A source said: “Shirley and the BBC wanted to do another series so everyone’s chuffed they’ve come to an agreement. The whole panel is coming back.”
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The insider added that viewers liked the “chemistry” between the judges and paperwork should be signed off soon.
A BBC spokesperson told ED!: “We never comment on speculation. The judges line-up for the next series will be announced in due course.”
ED! has also contacted a rep for Shirley.
Although Shirley’s return has yet to be officially returned, fans have taken to Twitter to share their excitement over the news.
One wrote: “I’m hoping the morning press is true and you are returning to Strictly as Head Judge. Aww I’ve waited so long for this news. It wouldn’t be the same without our Fun and Fabulous Queen Shirley.”
Another said: “Shirley Ballas is back as a Strictly judge in September…of course she is! Never in any doubt! I for one have *not* had enough of experts….or fabulous earrings”
A third agreed: “Shirley Ballas will return to Strictly Come Dancing – the eight words I’ve been waiting to hear since December.”
Shirley has said in the past she’d be “honoured” to return to Strictly.
She’s also admitted the show was a learning curve for her, as she was under so much scrutiny after stepping into Len’s shoes. Some viewers felt she was too technical in her feedback, while others loved her obvious knowledge of dance.
Speaking to This Morning in December, she said: “There have been some things to get used to, like Twitter and the press and this and that, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being on the show and everyone’s journeys, the ups and downs.”
“You cant blink or do anything! You’re totally under scrutiny,” she added.
“I don’t think too much [about the criticisms]. I go from week to week hoping the celebrities will get the dances right, listen to the music.
“I’m married to what I do, I love what I do. I love the music, I love the challenge of a celebrity who was struggling and comes back next week, has an unbelievable journey and has the public on their side. I just love the journey.”
Shirley made headlines during her first series when she clashed with pro dancer Brendan Cole. They had disagreed in the amount of rise and fall in Brendan’s tango with his partner Charlotte Hawkins.
It ended with Shirley advising Brendan to watch the tape back, and him calling her “my dear” in response, which led fellow judge Bruno Tonioli to advise Brendan to be more respectful.
Brendan announced in January his Strictly contract hasn’t been renewed.
Meanwhile, fellow pro dancer Karen Clifton said recently she’d love to see Shirley back on the judges’ panel.
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Karen told the Express: “I loved the way that she was real and just kind of told it how it was and obviously she knows exactly what she’s watching.
“So you really trusted her. I mean, I did definitely. I just loved everything about her which was great.”
Strictly returns to BBC One later this year – we can’t wait!
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