Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas has fired back at accusations of favouritism after viewers questioned her scoring and casting votes in dance-offs this series.
The former professional dancer, 62, said she is well aware of the criticism and doesn't ignore it as she spoke out about the backlash at the Pride Of Britain awards in London on Tuesday evening.
Earlier this month, Shirley faced fury from viewers over her choice to save Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice over Fleur East and Vito Coppola.
Fans began to voice the opinion she was favouring male celebrities over the women in the competition - something which she vehemently denies.
Speaking out on the criticism, Shirley said: "I don’t ignore it, no. I take my job seriously.
"I’m honoured and humbled to be able to be the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
"I have been in my own industry for 55 years and to be able to get out there and give the best critique of the couples along their way during the show and hoping that it will inspire them to be the best that they can be," she told The Metro.
The ballroom dancer has been the head judge on the hit BBC One celebrity dancing competition since 2017.
Shirley said: "I think this season is one of the most fantastic series that we’ve had so far, with lots of bits of gossip going on here and there and ups and downs and what have you."
It comes as comedian Jayde Adams, 37, and her professional dance partner Karen Hauer became the fourth couple to leave the show on Saturday, after a night which celebrated the BBC’s centenary.
The comedian said her participation in the show was “best thing I have ever done in my life” following her exit.
Speaking on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two on Monday, Jayde discussed the messages she had received on social media.
“The reason I tackle it the way I do is because for every horrible comment there’s a whole bunch of them that are lovely,” she told host Rylan Clark.
“I just hope with my resilience I can show that sticks and stones may break our bones but names will never hurt us.
“I really hope that’s something that I’ve left as a legacy…because, I will say, women specifically on this show get it in the neck (on social media).
“Whether it’s me, whether it’s Karen, whether it’s Shirley (Ballas), the women get it worse than the men.”
