Shirley Ballas' blasts Strictly fix claims

Shirley Ballas has blasted claims 'Strictly Come Dancing' is fixed.

The 63-year-old head judge hit out on social media after viewers suggested she and the rest of the panel had been "deciding who wins" and were ready for West End star Layton Williams to lift the Glitterball Trophy ahead of Bobby Brazier and Ellie Leach.

Shirley had posted on X: "My final show of It Takes Two complete @bbcstrictly now we just wait for the final. Who’s excited? Xxx.(sic)"

In response, one user replied: "Not me as you and your judges have already decided who will win! A professional, dancing with a professional!!"

But the Latin expert quickly wrote back: "Thank you for your message. We as judges are only to guide in the final. We have no say on who will win. It is completely and utterly down to the public vote."

Shirley urged the disgruntled viewer to "pick up that phone" and cast a vote.

She added: "So I say pick up that phone Neil and vote as that is what counts. Enjoy the show and have a beautiful day Xxx."

Layton, who dances with Nikita Kuzmin, reposted Shirley's reply with a yellow heart emoji.

He then added: "What Shirley said."

Earlier this week, former 'Strictly' professional dancer James Jordan admitted he was unimpressed with Layton taking part in the show because of his background in dance and musical theatre.

He told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "Is that what 'Strictly' is supposed to be. Is that what 'Strictly' has come to that we have fully-trained dancers on the show? For me, it’s not what 'Strictly' is supposed to be."