Shirley Ballas has broken her silence on her involvement the new series of Strictly Come Dancing after the show broke some big news on who will be back for 2022.
Shirley has been head judge on the BBC sensation since taking over from Len Goodman in 2017 and was on the panel last year to see Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice crowned Strictly's most recent champions. Someone who played no part in the 2021 run of the national institution was long-serving judge Bruno Tonioli.
Having appeared virtually via video call from America to give his verdict on the 2020 contestants a year earlier, Bruno was nowhere to be seen last year, with him being replaced by pro dancer Anton Du Beke. And, after reports earlier his week that Bruno had quit 'for good' to focus on US show Dancing With The Stars, Strictly have rubberstamped his departure by confirming that Anton will be back on the panel for 2022.
READ MORE: Phillip and Holly embroiled in tense This Morning studio clash
As many fans expected, head judge Shirley has also kept her place as have Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel-Horwood. Strictly took to social media to confirm the judging line-up for the upcoming series, with a picture of the four judges, along with the caption: "Shirley, Craig, Motsi, Anton… We can’t wait to welcome back our fabulous #Strictly Judges for 2022!"
As fans reacted to the news, so did Shirley, as she took to Instagram to post: "Absolutely delighted to be asked to judge Strictly Come Dancing 2022. I’m appreciative of each and every one of you who has supported my journey since 2017. You make my job joyous and I feel supported. It is the Nations show and I’m delighted to be a small part of it. Hugs love and gratitude to all of you for the support."
At the end of her post, she also tagged in Craig, Anton and Motsi and added: "love these humans." Fans had their say underneath, with one responding: "It would not be the same with you."
READ NEXT:
* Graham Norton issues 'trigger' warning before Eurovision performance
* Sam Ryder centre of Eurovision rules row as vote twist 'robs' him
*Sam Ryder 'wins' Eurovision for UK before final has even started
*Diversity's Perri Kiely wears Sunderland top in Newcastle for risky dare
