Strictly's Shirley Ballas hits back as she's cruelly branded 'mutton dressed as lamb'

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas issued a defiant response after being branded "mutton dressed as lamb" by someone on social media over the weekend.

The ballroom dancer, 62, has spoken recently about having received harsh remarks from viewers and she noticed even more of such responses on Twitter a few days ago.

They came following Saturday night's episode of Strictly, with Shirley – who has been head judge since 2017 – responding to some of them before the results show aired on Sunday.

It included one person who described Shirley as a "fake person" and "mutton dressed as lamb," which prompted a response from the dance teacher on the platform.

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has responded to some harsh remarks from viewers (BBC)

Shirley responded to them: "Sorry you feel like this. Love that expression mutton dressed as lamb. [It's] very northern. Any way have [a] lovely Sunday. You made me smile".

Another viewer said on Sunday afternoon that they were "very disappointed" in Shirley, complaining that she had given Matt Goss, 54, a "low score" in the dance competition.

Ahead of the results show – which saw Matt voted out of the competition – Shirley responded to the viewer in question: "Sorry you feel that way. Have a lovely Sunday".

They came following Saturday night's episode, which saw Shirley and fellow judges like Motsi Mabuse give their latest feedback to the contestants (BBC)

And when another person said in a tweet that they would vote to have her replaced on the BBC show, Shirley replied: "Ok. But enjoy the show and have a wonderful week".

Shirley encouraged people to be respectful and just "enjoy the show" in a post earlier this month, after receiving "hurtful messages" from some viewers.

She addressed some criticism whilst on Loose Women last week and admitted during her appearance on the ITV show that she does read viewers' comments on social media.

The following evening saw Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychokova (left) voted out of the competition (BBC/Guy Levy)

Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror here .

"I do read everything [online]. [...] It is really hurtful, some of the language is so explicit. [...] It's unfathomable how people think about [the show]," the judge commented.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday (October 22) from 6.40pm on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer. The results show will air the following evening from 6.45pm.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.