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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kyle O'Sullivan

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas slams critics over Catherine Tyldesley's shock exit

Shirley Ballas has slammed Strictly Come Dancing viewers over Catherine Tyldesley's controversial exit.

The former Coronation Street star and her pro partner Johannes Radebe were the surprise fifth couple to be sent home.

Some outraged Strictly fans have called for Shirley, who had the casting vote, to be removed as head judge.

But Shirley has hit back by insisting that viewers need to take a long, hard look at themselves.

Shirley sent a message to the trolls as she arrived for the Pride of Britain Awards in London (Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)

Speaking at the Pride Of Britain Awards, Shirley asked a direct question to those trolling her.

She told Mirror Online: "There's controversy every time somebody goes home.

"I just have one question for the viewers. Why was she in the bottom two? That's my question.

"When we have to judge it we do what we feel and it came down to my choice this week. I stand by it 100%.

"I absolutely adored [Catherine] in past weeks. She did really well. She was just unfortunate this week."

The Strictly judges were also criticised for sending Dev Griffin home despite receiving a staggering score the week before.

"It's nothing new darling," confessed Shirley.

"It's been going on for 15 years."

Shirley has no idea who will win the competition with the leader board changing from week to week.

She added: "There's so many of them coming through. Each week it changes.

"There are some spectacular dancers. Everybody is catching up with everybody so it's going to be very unpredictable."

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