Established dancer Shirley Ballas has detailed how much she loves taking part in BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, something she has made clear "means everything" to her despite the strong backlash she sometimes receives online.
Ballas, 64, has been head of the show's judging panel since 2017. She has in that time faced calls to "step down" by viewers accusing the Queen of Latin of "favouritism" in her feedback to the contestants.
The choreographer has hit back at much of the backlash, condemning the "vitriol" she has faced.
Earlier this month, viewers saw the dazzling wrap-up of the 20th-year series, and the milestone is set to be celebrated with Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years, which is set to air on BBC One on Saturday.
When asked about the impressive feat ahead of the show, Ballas detailed how important Strictly has been to her.
"Well, first of all, Strictly means everything to me, and I’m so proud to be part of the show, and I know it means a lot to the public," she commented.
Shirley Ballas praised and hugged Dianne Buswell following her final dance on BBC StrictlyBBCThe dancer continued: "I think the success is rooted in the loyal audience. We wouldn't have a show if it wasn’t for the loyal audience tuning in each week, every Saturday and Sunday.
"I think it’s one of the only shows on television that can truly bring families together on a weekend.
"They sit there from four years old all the way up to grandpa and grandma.
"Everybody can have their opinion, disagree, and have that family fun. And I love that."
Shirley Ballas faced calls to "step down" from BBC Strictly fans during this year's series
BBCThe judge also made clear she wouldn't be allowing online trolls to boot her off the judging panel, with Ballas indicating she has no plans to step down anytime soon.
"I think the next 20 years will be big, bright, bold, and beautiful, with the show only getting better and better," she remarked.
In regards to her coveted role as head judge, she went on: "And I’m sure there’s lots of talent out there waiting to hit the dance floor.
"I'd love to think that in another 20 years, I'd still be judging!"
Addressing the "bias" claims she was at the centre of during the series, Ballas re-posted a fan's supportive comment in November.
Amongst the anger directed at her, one commented read: "The amount of vitriol being hurled at Shirley for last night’s elimination is horrendous and disgusting.
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It seems BBC Stirctly's head judge Shirley Ballas hopes to continue on the panel for as long as she can
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“It baffles me how people are throwing abuse at Shirley, yet Anton voted to save Wynne and Katya too, which resulted in her having to make the final decision.
"Everyone can have their opinions, but at the end of the day it’s an entertainment show and someone has to go home.
“Shirley is a human being with feelings just like the rest of us and nobody knows what she could be going through. What is wrong with some people!?
“Just be kind and treat others as you would like to be treated... Sending all my love to you, Shirley." (sic)
Her re-posting of the statement made clear how she felt about the remarks, but she has also in the past thanked fans for coming to her defence.
