Shirley Ballas says she was once demoted at a dance competition because an overly critical judge took exception to her stretch marks.
The 63-year-old Strictly Come Dancing head judge is a ballroom veteran and has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Latin’ – but times haven’t always been easy.
Speaking to the Radio Times podcast, Shirley admitted she received heavy criticism when she returned to the dance floor six weeks after giving birth to her son Mark, her only child, in 1986.
She said: “It wasn’t like today where everyone has to walk on eggshells to tell you something.”
“I was dancing again six weeks after my baby was born. I was told, “I marked you third because I refuse to look at the stretch marks on your back.” I find it disgusting.
Unfair: Shirley Ballas revealed she was demoted from a dance competition because of her ‘disgusting’ stretch marks after receiving harsh criticism (pictured in London earlier this month)
Old times: Shirley in an undated photo from her glory days as a professional dancer
“I just accepted it, moved on and did what I had to do – for me it was character building,” she added.
The dance teacher also admitted that very “direct” criticism had an impact on her role on the hot BBC show – and revealed that her son had to give her “tips on how to be constructive and smile”.
How absolutely come Dance Chief Justice Shirley has suffered a lot of trolling and online abuse.
And the TV favorite recently said the alleged Holly Willoughby conspiracy has made her “more cautious” than ever and afraid of going out alone at night.
The dancer said that while she is now better equipped to deal with nasty comments from viewers, she was affected by the “terrible” allegations which led Holly to quit her role on This Morning after 14 years.
“I’m still cautious, especially given what just happened to Holly Willoughby, which is terrible. “I feel for her. “I don’t go out alone late at night,” she told Best magazine.
Holly sensationally stepped down from her long-standing role last month following claims that mall security guard Gavin Plumb planned to kidnap and murder her.
He pleaded not guilty to three criminal charges relating to the alleged conspiracy at Chelmsford Crown Court and was remanded in custody pending a trial in June.
Family: The Strictly judge admitted she received heavy criticism when she returned to the dance floor six weeks after giving birth to her son Mark (pictured), her only child, in 1986
Tough: The dance star revealed: “I was dancing again six weeks after my baby was born.” I was told: “I marked you third because I refuse to look at the stretch marks on your back.” “I think it disgusting” (pictured earlier this month in London)
Effort: The dance teacher also admitted that very “direct” criticism had an impact on her role on the BBC show – revealing that her son had to give her “tips on behaving constructively and smiling”.
Terrifying: Shirley said Holly Willoughby’s alleged conspiracy had made her ‘more cautious’ than ever and afraid of going out alone at night (pictured in June)
Terrible: Holly sensationally stepped down from her long-standing role last month after it was claimed mall security guard Gavin Plumb was plotting to kidnap her (pictured on the show in September).
Dance icon Shirley has been part of the BBC’s flagship Saturday night dance competition since replacing Len Goodman in 2017.
Despite being a popular part of the series, she said she was “afraid to leave the house” at times due to the cruel trolls and death threats she received.
Shirley’s fears were particularly highlighted when her son Mark, 37, was targeted while working with gymnast Shawn Johnson, 31, on Dancing With The Stars – the US version of Strictly.
“I had people dragging coffins in with me, with someone with a spade saying, ‘Die, you bastard,'” she said in the ITV documentary Olivia Attwood vs The Trolls.
She added: “This whole experience has made me a lot more alert. “I can’t say I’m leaving my front door if I don’t get to the point. I never relax. It’s completely changed my life, I would say.’
“I’m talking about being in public.” They worry about the same strange people who write such messages.
“Are they lurking in dark corners? Do they hide behind walls when you go somewhere?’
Shirley admitted that she is always on high alert because of the news, but also has some sympathy for those responsible.
Earlier this month, Shirley was forced to apologize this week for suggesting women carry Tasers to protect themselves from potential attackers.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge insisted women should “become more vigilant” and educate themselves about how best to look after themselves if a dangerous situation were to arise.
Ballroom dancer Shirley said women should wear the devices, which shock people with a 50,000-volt charge, unaware that they are actually illegal and only used by trained police officers in the UK, prompting the BBC to issue a warning.
Fears: “I’m still cautious, especially given what just happened to Holly Willoughby, which is terrible.” I feel for her. “I don’t go out alone late at night,” she told Best magazine (pictured last month).
What it was like: A young Shirley is pictured on a 1975 dance festival flyer
Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, she said: “All women in today’s society should become more vigilant. “It’s important for people to look after themselves, maybe carry Tasers and things like that.
“My message is aimed at all women, not just women in profile. It’s about taking care of yourself and educating yourself.”
“What can you do if you find yourself in a situation that has happened to you and you don’t know what to do?”
Moderator Krupa Padhy chimed in: “We have to say that stun guns or tasers are banned weapons and owning them is a punishable offence.”
Shirley later said: “I apologize for my comments. “I didn’t know Tasers were illegal in the UK and I don’t support violence in any way.
“I wanted to convey the message that women should feel empowered to protect themselves and incorrectly mentioned the use of Tasers.”
Safety: Earlier this month, Shirley was forced to apologize this week for suggesting women wear Tasers to protect themselves from potential attackers (pictured on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel this month).