Strictly Viewers Are Asking Questions After A Hidden Link Between Two Stars Comes To Light
For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo of judges Craig Revel Horwood, (Image: PA)
A Strictly Come Dancing judge appears to share a personal connection with one of this year’s contestants, raising questions over whether they could have a “soft spot” for the star. The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing will air in a matter of weeks, presented by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe following the exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Despite the major shake-up, fans will be familiar with the four judges, Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Reports have now suggested that Shirley, 65, shares a “close bond” with contestant Dani Dyer. The pair first crossed paths in 2019, when they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro together to raise money for Comic Relief.
Dani Dyer and Shirley Ballas formed a close bond when they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro together in 2019 (Image: Getty)
A source has claimed that the pair became so close during the climb that Shirley reportedly took on an almost maternal role towards Dani, raising concerns that their personal history could make it difficult for her to remain completely impartial when judging her performances on Strictly.
“Shirley and Dani have been through a tough experience together, which bonded them for life,” an insider said. “Shirley was like a second mother to Dani during that trip and they spent quality time together.
They continued: “Some pro dancers are worried that Shirley will favour Dani and be less tough on her because of their shared history.
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“Of course, Shirley is a professional but it is hard to be objective when you have a genuine soft spot for someone.
The source added to The Sun: “Shirley also did the hike with Dan Walker and was able to objectively judge him, even voting him out in the dance off.”
Dani, 30, was due to appear on last year’s series alongside Nikita Kuzmin, but was forced to withdraw just days before the live shows after suffering a nasty injury during training.
At the time, she said: “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot, but it swelled up badly over the weekend. After an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle. Apparently, doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable, and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I’ve had to pull out of the show.”
She added: “To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita, but of course, I will be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”
Thankfully, Dani was given the opportunity to return to the dancefloor, and will join fellow celebrities Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis and Melanie Walters.
