Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about missing out on the show’s live tour, saying she’s sad to not be included.
The details of the live tour were announced this week, and while the show will feature judges Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli, Shirley will not be included.
Read more: Louise Redknapp criticised by Strictly viewers for “inappropriate” performance
The live show announcement also revealed that celebrity contestant Mollie King will not be joining the tour either.
Speaking to The Sun, Shirley addressed the fact that she’ll have to miss out on the tour.
“I would have liked to have done the tour, but it takes three judges with it, and Darcey, Bruno and Craig all decided to do it, so they take precedence,” she said.
“They have been iconic on the show, earned their stripes, and I’m the newbie. So unfortunately it wasn’t in the cards for me to do the tour this time.”
She went on to praise her fellow judges, and the rapport they’ve built up over their years on the show.
“It was my job to fit in with them, not theirs to fit in with me. They’ve been on the show a lot longer and I have absolute respect for them.
While there are rumours that Shirley will be asked back for a second season of Strictly, there has been no official offer – and Shirley is not counting her chickens.
“I’ve had a brilliant experience. One never presumes — but I have enjoyed it,” she said.
The Strictly live tour kicks of in Birmingham next month.
Shirley spoke about her Strictly journey on last week’s This Morning, saying she’d had an amazing time but there had been things it took a while to get used to.
“There have been some things to get used to,” Shirley admitted, “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, but as of yet, nothing has been decided.”
Shirley said it took her time to “ease into the show” and find different ways to express her thoughts, and she wanted to make sure everyone understood the dance and the moves.
Read more: Strictly star breaks silence on fears illness will affect finale performance
“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.”