Shirley Ballas, head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about the challenges she faces in her role, particularly when it comes to having the deciding vote in close-call eliminations.

The professional dancer and choreographer, who has been a fixture on the judging panel since 2017, admitted that the pressure of making the final call on which couples stay or leave the competition

often weighs heavily on her. The responsibility is particularly difficult given the overwhelming amount of online abuse she has received after making decisions that some viewers disagree with.

In a candid interview, Ballas revealed the emotional toll that the job has taken on her, and how the harsh criticism from online trolls has left her feeling vulnerable at times. As head judge, Shirley Ballas is tasked

with being the deciding voice when the judges’ scores are tied or when there’s a deadlock in the competition. While this responsibility is an essential part of the show’s format, it also places her

in a position where every decision she makes is subject to intense scrutiny. For Ballas, who is known for her no-nonsense approach and dedication to the art of dance, the role has not come

without its fair share of challenges. She explained that the process of having to eliminate couples, especially when emotions are running high and the stakes are so high for the contestants,

can be incredibly difficult. “It’s a lot harder than people think,” Ballas admitted, acknowledging that she often feels conflicted when it comes to making the final decision on eliminations.

The situation is made even more difficult by the relentless online abuse that Ballas has faced over the years. As a public figure, she has become a target for fans who express their frustrations with the show’s outcomes on social media. After controversial eliminations or decisions she’s made, Ballas has often been subjected to a wave of hateful messages, insults, and personal attacks. The abuse has ranged from critiques of her judging style to more aggressive forms of online trolling, with some even questioning her qualifications and character. In her interview, Ballas described how these negative comments can be “overwhelming” and how they have affected her mental well-being. While she understands that viewers are passionate about the show, the intensity of the online vitriol has taken a toll on her confidence.

Despite the negative aspects of her role, Ballas expressed that she remains committed to her work on Strictly Come Dancing. She is deeply passionate about the show and the platform it gives her to mentor and support the celebrity dancers. However, the weight of public opinion and the cruelty of online trolls have made her question whether the pressure is worth it at times. In particular, Ballas shared that the hardest part of receiving online abuse is not just the personal attacks, but the feeling of being unfairly judged by people who don’t fully understand the complexities of her role as head judge. She revealed that while the judging process is based on her professional expertise, it can sometimes feel as though she’s being judged more harshly than the contestants themselves.

Shirley Ballas’s decision to speak out about the difficulties of her role as head judge is a reminder of the emotional strain that comes with being in the public eye. While the glamorous world of Strictly Come Dancing often focuses on the joy of dance and entertainment, the pressure behind the scenes can be immense. Ballas’s openness about the toll of online abuse and the weight of the deciding vote sheds light on the often unseen challenges faced by television personalities. Despite the negativity she’s encountered, Ballas remains dedicated to her position, showing resilience in the face of adversity. However, her story also serves as a call for more empathy and respect for public figures who, like everyone else, are human and vulnerable to criticism.

In the end, Shirley Ballas’s admission highlights the complex nature of judging on a show like Strictly Come Dancing. While the role comes with prestige and excitement, it also comes with immense pressure, particularly when it comes to making tough decisions that affect people’s lives. The online abuse that Ballas has faced is a stark reminder of how toxic social media can be, especially for individuals in the public eye. As the head judge continues to navigate her role, her courage in speaking out about the difficulties she faces serves as a much-needed conversation starter about kindness, responsibility, and mental health in the entertainment industry.

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