HEARTBREAKING DECISION: SHIRLEY Ballas has REVEALED the toll Lewis Cope’s Strictly exit has taken on her

Shirley Ballas on a talk show.

Shirley Ballas has revealed the toll Lewis Cope’s shock Strictly exit has taken on her this week

Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, and Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, standing on a stage during a live TV show.

Lewis was sent home in the quarter final after a dance off with Amber DaviesCredit: PA

Shirley Ballas covers her face with her hands, appearing distraught.

Shirley was visibly upset at the decisionCredit: BBC
Appearing on tonight’s It Takes Two, the Head Judge told host Fleur East that his shock exit had had a big impact on her.

She said: “I didn’t sleep when Lewis got eliminated, I probably won’t sleep tonight because everything is…you never know where the show is going to go now at the moment, it’s not set.

“It could be anyone who goes home and anyone who could win.”

During Sunday’s results show, Strictly viewers spotted Shirley and fellow judge Motsi Mabuse with their head in their hands after Lewis, 30, and his pro partner Katya, 36, finished their performance.

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A Strictly viewer asked Shirley if the decision was the hardest one the panel had had to make this series, and she replied: “I was crying, Motsi was crying.

“When we went upstairs, both the boys also, we were…to see two fantastic dancers in the bottom two was heart-wrenching.

“Normally I can do it but for some reason last week it was quite difficult and lots of tears with Motsi and I, we were consoling each other.”

Prior to the shock dance-off, Amber, 29, and pro partner Nikita, 27, landed a perfect 40 for their Charleston.

 

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But Lewis and Katya weren’t far behind them, with the judges awarding them a score of 35 for their Salsa.

Commenting on the clip showing Shirley and Motsi’s telling reactions, one fan said: “They both clearly did not want to vote.

“I’ve never seen Shirley so speechless and almost in tears. There should be a rule that says if the dance off contains couples so high scoring and/or so close in score then if all judges agree then no one goes home.”

And another wrote: “Farce of a show. It’s about popularity, not ability.”

Following the result, Amber faced harsh criticism online from some, prompting her to defend herself on her Instagram.

Shirley Ballas and three other judges behind a glittery desk.

Shirley said her and Motsi had cried together and consoled one anotherCredit: BBC

Lewis Cope and Katya Jones with host Tess Daly after their elimination from Strictly Come Dancing.

Lewis had topped the leaderboard on a number of occasions during the seriesCredit: PA
She said: “Guys, please.. It’s really just a television show. I wasn’t even supposed to be in the comp.

“You have no idea what we put our mind and body through for this experience.

“I’m really just trying my best with the opportunity that came to me. To anyone who has left a NICE comment thank you.”