Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas has found herself at the centre of a ‘fix’ row as her close relationship with celebrity contestant Dani Dyer has been revealed.
Questions over possible future favouritism on the upcoming series have arisen as it turns out Shirley, 65, and Dani, 30, have spent plenty of time together before.
The pair both climbed Mount Kilimanjaro together in 2019 to raise money for Comic Relief.
Shirley and Dani can be seen smiling next to each other in snaps from the challenge which was also taken on by the likes of Ed Balls and Dan Walker.
Dani is one of the big names starring in this year’s series, alongside actress Lacey Turner and hairstylist Chris Appleton.
A source said: ‘Shirley and Dani have been through a tough experience together, which bonded them for life.’
Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas has found herself at the centre of a ‘fix’ row as her close relationship with celeb contestant Dani Dyer has been revealed
Questions over possible future favouritism on the upcoming series have arisen as it turns out Shirley, 65, and Dani, 30, have spent plenty of time together before
They added to The Sun: ‘Shirley was like a second mother to Dani during that trip and they spent quality time together.
‘Some pro dancers are worried that Shirley will favour Dani and be less tough on her because of their shared history. Of course, Shirley is a professional but it is hard to be objective when you have a genuine soft spot for someone.’
A source did add however that Shirley also did the hike with Dan who previously took part in Strictly and ‘was able to objectively judge him’ – even voting him out in a dance off.
The BBC and representatives for Shirley 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 have past dance experience.
Throughout the years, the BBC dancing show has come under fire for signing up stars who have some form of dancing or performance history, and it appears that this year is no different if new reports are to go by.
The Sun reports that with nine out of the 15 celebrities having past experience, 60 per cent of the cast will have an advantage over their fellow competitors.
Among those who have dance or performing arts experience, Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb was a former pupil at The Dance School of Scotland for two years.
The pair both climbed Mount Kilimanjaro together in 2019 to raise money for Comic Relief. Shirley and Dani can be seen smiling next to each other in snaps from the trip (bottom right)
A source said: ‘Shirley and Dani have been through a tough experience together, which bonded them for life…’
Also on Sunday the new Strictly pros were seen heading to rehearsals for the first time
Cristian Priori seen arriving for rehearsals
Aleksandra Isaeva wore a trendy denim look
Lethabo Monametsi also headed for rehearsalsHe then went on to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama before making appearances in the West End.
Prior to appearing on Love Island, Cach Mercer worked as a professional dancer with a specialism in Hip-hop and Afrobeats, while Dani was quoted as calling 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 Sylvia Young Theatre School, while as a child, singer Delta Goodrem had lessons in dancing, singing and acting.
Jaime Winstone did a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts at Harlow College, Essex, with the course covering dancing, musical theatre and production.
Another star with educational experience includes 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 favourite Melanie Walters starred in the Cinderella pantomime as the Fairy Godmother, treading the boards of the Bournemouth Pavilion during last year’s festive season.
While back in 2012, presenter and best-selling author Graeme ‘The Dogfather’ Hall took part in a dance competition called ‘Strictly Northampton’.
The Daily Mail contacted representatives of Strictly Come Dancing for comment at the time.
Five new faces were recently announced to the pro line-up, months after the Strictly axe ‘bloodbath’ saw bosses ditch stars Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez.
Making their Strictly dancer debut this Autumn will be Ukrainian Aleksandra Isaeva, Italian hunk Cristian Priori, South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi as well as Canadian dancer Mark Karmalita and UK National Ballroom Champion Maddie Ingoldsby.
