Shirley Ballas faces brutal BBC Strictly replacement calls as fan-favourite judge returns in 20-year special
BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans have issued calls to replace Shirley Ballas as two beloved judges returned to celebrate the iconic dance show’s 20th anniversary on Saturday.
Viewers were overjoyed as Dame Arlene Phillips, 81, and Dame Darcey Bussell, 55, made an appearance to reflect on their times with Strictly.
Strictly, which first graced screens in 2004, has seen a host of colourful personalities in its 20 years on air.
Head judge Ballas has faced claims of bias from fans during Strictly’s current current series. This evidently left fans feeling nostalgic as fan-favourites like Phillips made a reappearance.
Phillips, who featured as a judge from 2004 till 2008, maintained her legendary status as former and current members of the Strictly family glowed about her.
DJ, Strictly contestant and It Takes Two host Zoe Ball described the dancer and judge as “an icon” while current host Claudia Winkelman explained: “There is nothing that Arlene does not know about dancing.”
Phillips said of her time: “I’m so proud to have worked on the show from the first series. Strictly Come Dancing is one of the best times of my life.”
One viewer declared: “I’d do anything to have Arlene back. She is worth a million Shirleys #Strictly”
“BRING BACK ARLENE! LOVED HER,” another demanded.
Phillips was controversially replaced as judge by Alesha Dixon, which she has previously admitted maintaining mixed feelings over.
Another of Saturday’s returning judges was ballet dancer Dame Darcey Bussell, who became a full time Strictly judge between 2012 and 2018.
“If you’re going to have somebody be an aficionado on the greatest dancing programme ever made on television, then you’d want the prima ballerina of all prima ballerinas,” said show stalwart Anton Du Beke.
Girls Aloud star and former contestant Kimberley Walsh gushed that: “Darcey was always lovely. She always had something positive to say. She was a real girl’s girl.”
“‘Darcey was a girl’s girl…’ can’t say that about Shirley,” one viewer sniped.
Another wrote: “Darcey, it’s a shame she didn’t stay and be the head judge. A classy lady.”
“Craig, Darcey, Len and Bruno were really the best judging panel,” a third reflected.
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Taking aim at two current judges, one fan argued: “The judging Lineup needs a shakeup in 2025. Love Anton & Craig but it’s time for Motsi & Shirley to go.”
While some fans demanded change, the on air stars had nothing but positive comments form Ballas and Mabuse.”
Current host Tess Daly glowed: “Shirley is the ultimate teacher. She grew up competing in the dance world, in the ballroom world. She just wants to share that knowledge and share that wisdom.”
“I lived for positive feedback from her every week,” It Takes Two host Fleur East remembered.
Of Mabuse, Winkleman observed: “She understands the emotion of the dance.”
“It’s a true honour to be able to sit next to Motsi Mabuse,” said Ballas of her fellow judge.