Shirley Ballas 'stunt double' shock in Strictly dance-off

Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke took to the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor in a surprise group routine during Sunday’s results show, sparking immediate backlash from viewers ^[2]. The duo, alongside professional dancers, performed a Ballroom versus Latin showdown, with Ballas executing what appeared to be backflips, breakdancing moves, and the worm—moves widely criticised as implausible for the 66-year-old judge.

BBC audiences quickly took to social media, with multiple users questioning the authenticity of the performance. One viewer wrote: "Bit annoyed they used a stunt double for Shirley for that bit of the routine #Strictly" ^[2]. Others echoed the sentiment, with comments like "Fake Shirley doing the worm" and "So obviously not Shirley doing those moves".

The claim that a stunt double was used has been reported by fans but has not been confirmed by the BBC or the show’s producers ^[2]. Some viewers defended the moment as tongue-in-cheek, with one noting: "It was supposed to be funny". The routine concluded with Shaun Wright-Phillips and Melanie Walters facing off in the dance-off, performing their Quickstep and Charleston routines once more.

Walters, who scored 17, was ultimately eliminated after judges chose to save Wright-Phillips, with only Motsi Mabuse voting to keep her ^[2]. In a heartfelt farewell, her partner Aljaz Skorjanec praised her professionalism and dedication, calling their journey "a huge thank you".

Meanwhile, the leaderboard remains tight, with Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington at the top on 33 points after a standout Disco Salsa ^[1]. Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita followed closely with 31, earning praise from Craig Revel Horwood for their sensual Argentine Tango. The results show also confirmed that Anton Du Beke will hold the casting vote in the next elimination round. The story was first reported by The Independent and Daily Star.