Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse’s Futures Addressed Amid Exit Speculation
Speculation surrounding the future of Strictly Come Dancing judges Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse has intensified, but a source close to the BBC show has moved to clarify the situation, insisting that neither judge is planning to leave.
The rumours emerged after reports suggested that Shirley and Motsi had yet to decide whether they would return for the next series. According to The Sun, fellow judges Anton du Beke and Craig Revel-Horwood have already informed bosses that they intend to come back, with next year’s live shows pencilled into their diaries.
The publication claimed that while Anton and Craig were committed to returning, Shirley and Motsi had not yet made up their minds.
One source suggested that Shirley could be a particular concern for show bosses, especially if her guest appearance on the American dance competition Dancing With The Stars proves successful.
However, an insider has now offered a different explanation for the apparent uncertainty, telling Express.co.uk that there are no plans for either Shirley or Motsi to walk away from the programme.
“Staff backstage have been very confused about where these stories are coming from,” the source said.
They explained that Anton and Craig have theatre productions lined up for next year, meaning they have already notified the show that they will be unavailable on Saturdays when filming takes place.
“Shirley and Motsi don’t have theatre jobs next year, and so don’t have the same issue, and that’s all there is to it,” the insider added.
Despite the reassurances, the judges are not expected to sign their contracts for the following series until the 2026 edition of Strictly Come Dancing has concluded. Their eventual commitments will therefore become clearer once the current run comes to an end.
A representative for Strictly Come Dancing has been contacted by Express.co.uk for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing bosses reportedly consider presenting changes
The uncertainty surrounding the judging panel comes amid separate reports that the BBC could be considering changes to the show’s presenting line-up.
The Daily Mail recently reported that bosses were weighing up whether to replace Josh Widdicombe as part of plans to revisit the current hosting arrangement, which includes Josh, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe.
A source told the publication that some senior figures wanted the presenting team to adopt a more polished approach.
“It’s like those choosing were trying to be kooky and cool, and they saw something that might appeal to young people. But, it should be slicker, in the view of many at the top of the BBC, so there are changes afoot,” the source said.
The insider also questioned the decision to select the current line-up, pointing to Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark as examples of other presenters who could have been considered.
“There were so many brilliant presenters to choose from – Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, for example – but they went for this lot. Emma’s position as host could remain, but Josh’s is in doubt,” the source added.
However, the reports have not been confirmed by the programme. A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing dismissed the claims when approached by Express.co.uk, describing them as “pure and utter speculation.”
For now, the reported uncertainty over the judging panel and the possibility of changes to the presenting team remain separate stories. While an insider has firmly rejected suggestions that Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse are preparing to leave, the final arrangements for the next series are not expected to be settled until the current season has finished.