Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid wasted no time in sharing their own thoughts as they discussed Shirley Ballas' future on Strictly Come Dancing. An interview with the dance contest's head judge was released over the weekend in which she said she didn't know if she'd be back for the next series later this year.
Shirley, who has been the head judge on the BBC One show since 2017, has, after five years, suggested she may never return to Strictly after trolls made her life hell. While talks are ongoing, the 62-year-old is yet to sign for a new series after the onslaught of abuse during the last series left her "crying and emotional".
While the show's judging panel, which also includes Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, often find their critique of the competing couples coming under fire, Shirley has heartbreakingly said she hit "an all-time low" as the hate messages poured in after every show in the last series.
"After the Strictly tour I decided to take a break from TV and re-focus on my own industry for a while, to protect my sanity," Shirley told the Mirror. "I’m fortunate I have two jobs, running parallel, so it was much easier to take a break from TV and look after myself and my well-being.
"Will I go back to Strictly? I always take one step at a time. I absolutely love the job. If it was just that, and there was nothing else surrounding it, I can’t think of a more rewarding job to do."
Her comments were brought up on GMB on Monday (March 27) as Vick Hope stepped in for Richard Arnold with the entertainment news. When chatting about Shirley's possible exit, Richard said: "She shouldn't read them [the comments]. What's the point?"
Vick said it 'never ceases to amaze' her at 'how angry' people can get about a dancing show. "It's a dancing show. It's supposed to be joyful and fun. It's just dancing," the BBC Radio 1 DJ and former Strictly contestant said.
"Who cares what people say on Twitter?" Richard then chimed in. "It doesn't matter, it's not the real world!" He added: "Anyway, I hope you don't leave, Shirley, because I think you're great." Susanna then said: "Never read the comments... it's like swimming in a sewer and none of us would choose to do that." She also added: "I think it's horrible... We love you, Shirley. Don't go!"
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