Shirley Ballas, the head judge of the UK dance competition show Strictly Come Dancing, has expressed her fear of never returning to the program following a wave of vicious online abuse aimed at her. In a recent interview, Ballas opened up about the impact the abuse has had on her and urged social media platforms to take action against hate speech. As one of the most prominent figures in the ballroom dancing world, Ballas’ comments highlight the ugly side of online harassment and the toll it can take on even the most successful and resilient personalities.
Shirley Ballas, the head judge and Latin expert on Strictly Come Dancing, recently opened up about the toll that online abuse took on her mental health during the last series of the popular show. Ballas recounted how she had hit “an all-time low” due to the constant criticism and negativity, which left her in tears after every show. One in five of the messages she received were hateful, she said, and it didn’t matter what decisions she made, as she could “never win” in the eyes of her online detractors.
In a candid interview with The Mirror, Ballas revealed that she was unsure whether she would return to the show this year, and although BBC bosses were said to be in talks with her about the upcoming series, she had yet to sign on the dotted line. She did, however, express her love for her job, and if it was just down to judging without the trolling, it would be the most “rewarding” job she could think of doing.
Ballas also revealed that she had contemplated quitting Strictly due to the abuse she received, but said that she tended to take things “one step at a time”. She added that after the show finished in 2022, she may take a break from television in order to re-focus on her own industry and “protect her sanity”.
Ballas’ experiences highlight the ongoing problem of online abuse and the devastating impact it can have on mental health. Last year, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) reported that online abuse had a significant impact on the mental health of young people in the UK, with more than 80% of those surveyed saying they had experienced some form of online abuse. CALM suggests that those who experience online bullying or abuse should speak out, seek emotional support and report the abuse to the relevant authorities or service providers.
Ballas’ candid interview comes as a timely reminder that the power of social media can have a detrimental impact on the mental health of its users. While it is important to hold individuals to account for their online behaviour, what is really needed is a broader societal shift away from toxic online culture towards one that is more inclusive, respectful and supportive. The negative impact of social media on mental health is a growing concern and one that must be addressed by policymakers, tech companies and society as a whole.
As Ballas herself said, “it’s not just about me, it’s about the people out there who are really suffering”. Her story should serve as a wake-up call to all of us that the toll of online abuse is all too real and must be addressed urgently.
In conclusion, it is extremely unfortunate that Shirley Ballas has been subjected to such cruel and unprovoked abuse. As a respected and talented professional in the world of dance, she deserves nothing but respect and admiration from the public. It is disheartening to hear that the harsh criticism and negative comments have taken a toll on her mental health and well-being, and it is completely understandable that she may never return to Strictly Come Dancing as a result. It is important to remember that behind every TV personality and public figure is a human being with real feelings and emotions, and we should all strive to treat others with kindness and compassion, both online and in-person. We wish Shirley all the best in her future endeavors, and hope that she continues to spread her passion and expertise in the dance world for years to come.
