Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas is at the center of a ‘fix’ row as her close relationship with celebrity contestant Dani Dyer has been revealed.
Questions have been raised about possible future favoritism in the upcoming series as it appears Shirley, 65, and Dani, 30, have spent a lot of time together before.
The pair climbed Kilimanjaro together in 2019 to raise money for Comic Relief.
Shirley and Dani are seen smiling next to each other in photos from the challenge, which was also taken on by the likes of Ed Balls and Dan Walker.
Dani is one of the big names appearing in this year’s series, alongside actress Lacey Turner and hairstylist Chris Appleton.
A source said: ‘Shirley and Dani have been through a difficult experience together that has bonded them for life.’
Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas is at the center of a ‘fix’ row as her close relationship with celebrity contestant Dani Dyer has been revealed
Questions have been raised about possible future favoritism in the upcoming series as it appears Shirley, 65, and Dani, 30, have spent a lot of time together before.
They added The sun: ‘Shirley was like a second mother to Dani on that trip and they spent quality time together.
‘Some professional dancers worry that Shirley will favor Dani and be less harsh on her because of their shared history. Of course Shirley is a professional, but it’s hard to be objective when you have a real soft spot for someone.’
However, a source added that Shirley also did the walk with Dan, who previously competed on Strictly and was able to ‘judge him objectively’ – and even voted him out in a dancing competition.
The BBC and Shirley’s representatives have been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.
Earlier this month the show was embroiled in another ‘fix’ row as it was claimed nine of the celebrities had dancing experience.
Over the years, the BBC dance show has come under fire for signing up stars who have some form of dance or performance history, and it seems this year is no different as new reports surface.
The Sun reports that with nine of the 15 celebrities having past experience, 60 percent of the cast will have an advantage over their fellow competitors.
Among those with dance or performing arts experience, Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb was a two-year former student at The Dance School of Scotland.
The pair climbed Kilimanjaro together in 2019 to raise money for Comic Relief. Shirley and Dani are seen smiling next to each other in photos from the trip (below right)
A source said: ‘Shirley and Dani have been through a difficult experience together that has bonded them for life…’
The new Strictly pros were also seen on their way to rehearsals for the first time on Sunday
Cristian Priori saw arriving for rehearsals
Aleksandra Isaeva wore a trendy denim look
Lethabo Monametsi also went to rehearsals
He then attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama before performing in the West End.
Before appearing on Love Island, Cach Mercer worked as a professional dancer specializing in hip-hop and Afrobeats, while Dani called herself a ‘qualified dancer’ in her 2019 autobiography.
As a child, the fellow Love Island winner attended O’Farrell’s Stage School in east London on weekends for 12 years.
Meanwhile, EastEnders star Lacey also had experience in her younger years, attending the Sylvia Young Theater School, while singer Delta Goodrem was given lessons in dancing, singing and acting as a child.
Jaime Winstone obtained a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts from Harlow College, Essex, with the course covering dance, musical theater and production.
Another star with educational experience is House of the Dragon’s Bethany Antonia, who attended the BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy in Birmingham, where she studied musical theatre.
Meanwhile, Gavin and Stacey’s favorite Melanie Walters starred in the Cinderella pantomime as the Fairy Godmother, which took to the boards at Bournemouth Pavilion over last year’s festive season.
In 2012, presenter and bestselling author Graeme ‘The Dogfather’ Hall took part in a dancing competition called ‘Strictly Northampton’.
The Daily Mail contacted Strictly Come Dancing representatives for comment at the time.
Five new faces were recently announced to the professional line-up, months after the Strictly ‘bloodbath’ saw ax bosses leave stars Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez behind.
Making their Strictly dancer debuts this autumn are Ukrainian Aleksandra Isaeva, Italian hunk Cristian Priori, South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi, Canadian dancer Mark Karmalita and British National Ballroom champion Maddie Ingoldsby.
