Strictly's Shirley Ballas hits back at Tess and Claudia in frosty exchanges

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas did not mince her words on Week One's show.

The head judge had some strong criticisms for The Crown actor Greg Wise after he performed the American Smooth with his professional dance partner Karen Hauer to 'That's Life' by Frank Sinatra.

Shirley noted that Greg had the talent and charisma but not "fundamentals" including footwork and issues with his "rise and fall".

After her critical comments, there was silence and Shirley applauded on her own.

Presenter Tess Daly then commented: "Shirley's being very tough tonight. It is only Week One. Personally, I'm loving this partnership."

Tess Daly spoke with the judges after Greg Wise and Karen Hauer performed on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)

Shirley then responded: "Week One, but we've seen some fundamentals. We've seen some, so it's important. It's important for me."

She then added: "Just a few. I'm not asking for a lot. Just a few."

Later, after Greg and Karen ascended the stairs to speak with Claudia Winkleman, Greg reminded us that it is "Week One" when fundamentals were discussed.

Head judge Shirley Ballas criticised Greg for his lack of "fundamentals" (BBC)

Greg Wise later commented that this was only Week One (BBC)

Claudia commented: "I don't even know what a fundamental is but let's all get some."

"Mine's in a trust," joked Greg.

Later, however, when Shirley delivered her comments to the next dancer Nina Wadia, the head judge referred to Claudia's remarks.

Shirley praised her for: "Fundamentals. I'll just give you three of them. "

She noted that they could be "the way you place your foot", "leg action" and posture.

Shirley then turned to Claudia and said: "Claudia, those are fundamentals."

The judge then returned to her critiques.

Tess spoke in Greg and Karen's defence and said she loved the pairing (BBC)

Claudia Winkelman commented that she did not know what "fundamentals" are (BBC)

The moment did not go missed by viewers at home who took to social media to share their thoughts.

One Strictly Come Dancing fan penned on Twitter : “I don't know why Shirley is...being rude to Tess, Greg and even Claudia. She's spoiling the fun atmosphere of the show #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing @BBC “.

A different BBC One viewer commented: “Ok Shirley, pipe down. Tess made a light hearted comment”.

Meanwhile, another person tweeted: "What problem does Shirley have with Greg? She wasn’t that harsh with the other contestants #Strictly ”

Elsewhere, one viewer at home wrote: “Are we all agreed that that was WELL OFF from Shirley to Greg and Karen. It’s week one! #Strictly ”.

Shirley defended her remarks to Tess and later called out Claudia as she described "fundamentals" (BBC)

“Ok Shirley, not sure what your problem is tonight, but that clap back to Claudia was not necessary #Strictly,” wrote another viewer.

Finally, one Strictly Come Dancing concluded: “ #strictly Does Shirley not like Greg? That was a bit frosty!!”

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*Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6.45pm.

What did you think of Greg Wise and Karen Hauer’s first performance on Strictly Come Dancing this week? Let us know in the comments below.