Entertainment

Shirley Ballas is the real deal, say Strictly’s Tess and Claudia

Tess said Shirley has done a good job of filling Len’s sizeable boots.
Tess said Shirley has done a good job of filling Len’s sizeable boots. Tess said Shirley has done a good job of filling Len’s sizeable boots.

Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have given new judge Shirley Ballas the seal of approval as her first series on the show comes to an end.

Ballas took over when head judge Len Goodman stepped down from the BBC dancing show in 2016, having been on the judging panel since the programme’s 2004 launch.

Appearing on spin-off show It Takes Two, Daly told host Zoe Ball: “I think she’s made an effortless transition. Big boots to fill. I think she’s been brilliant.

“I love her to bits. She’s genuine. She feels like the real deal. She’s warm. She’s Northern!”

Winkleman chimed in: “She’s utterly brilliant.

“Also, she’s really funny and really warm. She’s the first person to go up to somebody and say, ‘Can I get you a cup of tea?’

“She’s absolutely amazing.”

Shirley Ballas
Shirley Ballas
Shirley Ballas (Matt Crossick/PA)

The Strictly Come Dancing final takes place on Saturday.

Gemma Atkinson, Joe McFadden, Debbie McGee and Alexandra Burke are in the running for the Glitterball trophy.