Shirley Ballas on Giovanni Pernice, her stalker hell and Strictly's 20th anniversary | Invite Only

[@josiebenson-thelifeimlivin6005]

What an absolute queen you are Shirley! Such class, honest & humility. I’ve also experienced bullying in the work place, sadly by women at the top! What a breath of fresh air you are! 🌞

[@ChristineFishley]

Shirley Ballas is a national treasure. I absolutely love you to bits. A strong talented woman with so much resilience and very inspirational. I have followed your career for years and still watch videos from when you were competing. Love you to bits 🤗🤎

[@ChristineVoigt-d6i]

This was a lovely interview, Shirley is just delightful.

[@Joley964]

How lovely that Shirley’s mum is still looking after her 😊

[@judyfay6318]

You are the original , genuine TROUPER. Brilliant Shirley Ballas.

[@anitahargreaves9526]

The best interview, imo. Thank you for sharing this ❤. A warm, lovely lady. 🇬🇧👵😊

[@SueVanderRiet]

What a breath of fresh air Shirley is. Such a lovely interview, she is the consummate professional but down to earth with it. Shirley is beautiful both inside and out, inspriational to say the least. I am one of many fans of Strictly here in South Africa and wish Shirley and the show well.

[@shelaghward9621]

She’s certainly full of herself …. No shrinking violet ,that’s for sure !

[@Incog23212]

It's called self-preservation and confidence. ​@shelaghward9621

[@LisaFerguson-lw8il]

@@shelaghward9621 I think she's confident, not full of herself. She really knows her stuff and has some interesting points to make..

[@SusanKassandra]

A sophisticated English woman. I love it. An era of beauty and grace that has been lost so it’s wonderful to see Shirley.

[@aveeholmes6299]

What a fabulous interview. I used to watch 'Strictly' in England and now watch it in Kenya.

[@sutchristine]

This lady is the epitome of pure class. She is setting the standard for others to follow. And they should.

[@crisnav2328]

I can't be more agree!!

[@honeybee3414]

WHAT????

[@valerieb-o8g]

There’s some horrid comments on here too about Shirley can you understand what sh has been saying about nastiness on socials? If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.

[@dawnbelford3906]

What a brilliant interview. Shirley you are so natural. Love you to bits.

[@carolanne649]

What an amazing interview. Beautifully presented. Such a lovely lady. Honest, down to earth, inspirational and full of warmth . Can't wait for Strictly 2024.❤

[@gill9331]

See this is why we love you Shirley what you see is what you get ...don't ever change lovely lady you are a Diamond. x

[@RachelProcter-d2p]

What a fabulous & beautiful lady and a really great interview. Have always really admired her on Strictly, a perfect judge… kind, caring, constructive, knowledgeable, clear and concise. Such an asset to Strictly!

[@elizabethpirie5050]

Shirley you are a great lady with so much talent keep on being you x

[@ireneestry4132]

What a wonderful interview , with such a fab effervescent lady . Shirley Ballas . Love this modern mature beautiful lady , wishing her every future success , in the industry ,and

[@lindaheyen4402]

Brilliant interview, love your authenticity Shirley. I bought your book a while back, l have to say l hadn't read anything that made me gasp before. I put it back on my shelf, however after hearing what you have just said l think l will give it another go. After seeing you dancing the pot stirrer many years ago l had it in my competition routine. That was so many years ago, I'm almost 74, also a September baby. Look forward to seeing you on Strictly. 💕💐💐👠👠💕

[@annehingley5227]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview with Shirley it has broadened my knowledge of the dancing world❤

[@sharonbaughen5764]

I also was bullied in part’s of my life but I decided to stand up for my self . But I will not stand to see any one to be bullied I will stand up for them, my mouth could get me into trouble lol . This is one of the best interview’s Shirley I think your amazing 😘❤️your mum sound’s great she is really honest and she is right 💕

[@crayzeedayzee]

Love Shirley 💞💞 so authentic and inspirational lady!

[@susansmith3731]

Thank you so much Shirley for the lovely things you said about Gio, I have always loved him, I really felt for him about the bullying saga, he has had a lot of dance partners over the years and nothing bad ever!!! When you see the relationship that Gio and Rose had which was beautiful, so much respect, fun, hard work, affection, laughter and wonderful dancing, I take the bullying saga with a pinch of salt, there is always two sides to a story! I hate what happened to Gio, it really upset me! I hope he returns to Strictly! All the best Gio.❤Lovely interview Shirley.❤

[@reesemorgan2259]

That's not true. Laura Whitmore had complained about him prior to Amanda Abbington. Don't forget that some of the complaints against him were upheld. He's not completely cleared.

[@Seonad]

Fabulous interview! Shirley comes across as a really decent person.

[@sarahsyrett3762]

What a lovely, brave lady. Standing by her morals.

[@CrissyRed]

The inspiration Shirley Ballas provides us all is something I’m very grateful for!

[@astrologiamusicatomate]

"Criticism is widespread in the dance world, and ballet is probably where it’s most intense. But we dancers learn to live with it. You have to love dancing enough to brush it off! This artist and dancer is exceptional, as is her son Mark-both are brilliant!"

[@RockChoirAdventures]

Well done Shirley, lovely interview. 😊

[@SuperAnnaspanna]

Shirley Ballas is amazing in every way. A class act, a lady and a professional. I’m sick to death of reading about how awful it was for Amanda Abingdon. We don’t know the truth, if you listen to Giovanni Pernice his account has just as much validity. Women aren’t the only victims and aren’t the only ones who can be…I think dancing is a hard discipline, if it’s not for you leave. If you stay be the best you can be. For all the detractors of Giovanni just remember his last partner was completely deaf, imagine the patience it took from him, and the work ethic from her. Clearly Amanda Abingdon didn’t have that ethic, had ongoing issues and then was worried she may have breast cancer; clearly she shouldn’t have been on the show. If she didn’t share her concerns with him how could he adjust his style? I have no doubt he’s a strict passionate teacher, which wouldn’t suit every personality. I’m in neither camp. I’ve been bullied, assaulted, stalked and so much more but I don’t believe in victimhood and those who define themselves by it.

[@catherinethorpe3940]

Really enjoyed this interview shes great! off to get the book for my hoilday she's sold it well 😘

[@yvethemetriccrafter688]

What an amazing woman , so strong and brave with a lovely sense of humour.

[@phoenixrising5088]

A Liverpudlian sense of humour.

[@carolinequirke5202]

Great interview ❤❤❤

[@salfordguy69]

Wow what a wonderful woman. Great advice as well. Her mum sound amazing.

[@juliestribling6020]

You are truly amazing Shirley. I’ve loved you since the start. ❤

[@LesleyMceleavey]

She is such a breath of fresh air, lovely lady so down to earth, could listen to her all day, I have just bought her book Murder on the dance Floor after hearing her talk about it... sounds amazing.. can't wait for it to arrive..?❤

[@tonyukkola5341]

Book on sale at Poundland

[@mehmetbekir444]

Great interview

[@margaretdavies6529]

I think she is just pure class her critique is always very fair and eloquently spoken. I am looking forward to that book xx

[@elizabethjgall8054]

Shirley is a legend. I have wanted a member of the public on strictly for years. Please make it happen.

[@chamalismith]

As a Wirral girl myself I'm particularly proud of our queen Shirley ❤ she's absolutely incredible ❤ head judge shoes are tough to fill and she has more than shown herself to be the right person for the job ❤ wishing her the best always xx

[@bernadettec6386]

From time immemorial the cause for the bullying is Jealousy. Keep your head held high , they are the losers.

[@marykeatley6595]

Loved this interview. Now I must read your book Shirley. So that I can work out fact from fiction 😊

[@tonyukkola5341]

Book on sale at Poundland

[@JaneDoe-bo9tz]

Shirley looking great

[@johnsingleton6874]

Shirley you are no gutter rat, you are a super lady with a fountain of knowledge. Hold that beautiful head of yours high and ignore(if you can) all the negative people you meet. You are great.

[@bmarybm]

What a delightful lady...we're the same age and I wish I looked so good! I've been an avid fan of Strictly from the start and Shirley has been a wonderful addition. Continued success. And now I'm off to order her books😁

[@MargaretDeakin-d6m]

Shirley is very likeable, full of character, and beautiful.

[@sharonbaughen5764]

I also was bullied in part’s of my life but I decided to stand up for my self . But I will not stand to see any one to be bullied I will stand up for them, my mouth could get me into trouble lol . This is one of the best interview’s Shirley I think your amazing 😘❤️

[@annbumfrey6812]

Yet your standing by Gio

[@wendystevenson1364]

Wow! What an interview. I’m an Australian living in Sydney. I’m also ballroom dancer - for over 20 years. My teacher and dear friend Peter Todd knows Shirley & tells me she’s wonderful. A really exceptional person. He’s quite right.

[@Hobbit691]

We love Shirley. Top class dancer ❤

[@AquaEyez]

I didn't realise how much I like Shirely. She's also so beautiful here, so natural. She's a real beauty. Reminds me so much of my beautiful best friend.

[@carie58]

What a fantastic lady❤

[@KSfan4ever]

Shirley is impressive on so many levels. As an extraordinarily talented and international award winning ballroom dancer, she rose to the top in a cut throat industry through grit, tenacity, determination, and dedication. She retained her kind, thoughtful, considerate and caring nature despite obstacles and challenges, and raised her equally talented and charming son Mark who has also risen to the top of the dance industry. Shirley is beautiful, well-spoken, engaging and charismatic. I admire her so much, not only for her candor in this interview, but also for her success as a dancer, teacher, author, and judge on SCD. She is a queen and class act.

[@mariantebb6730]

Giovanni and the deaf girl had a completely different vibe going on. Would love to hear her view.

[@takeiteasy7062]

YES well said. She was fearless!!

[@imafa9ry]

She was also deaf. Maybe his power was lost on her ?

[@Tidybitz]

Lovely interview, and I hope Shirley and her Mum get to lunch with Sir Tom. x

[@dancerover50]

As a young ballroom dancer I never felt good enough. I was too short, too flat-chested, my thighs were too fat, the knees too ugly etc.etc. The training methods were mainly "stick" and very little "carrot", some of them contributed to the major injuries I suffered. I reached the highest national class (Ms Ballas was my role model) but I had to quit due to the knee-related problems. At present I'm trying to get back to ballroom dancing as a senior dancer. We'll see how it goes.

[@daveclarke8699]

Keep dancing 😊

[@dancerover50]

@@daveclarke8699 Thank you, I will (try to) :-)

[@bridgettereynolds3632]

Love Shirley she’s so down to earth whatever this lady wears she looks absolutely stunning very classy.

[@hallemma4468]

Shirley, youre a wonderful lady

[@jonquillejaune]

She says she’s a champion against bullying but then says she stays in her lane as a judge on Strictly when asked about Giovanni. Never mind that Craig is a massive bully! She obviously doesn’t want to criticise anything to do with BBC, lest she jeopardise her job.

[@berylanjous6932]

I don’t agree. Also judges are all different. Craig might seem harsh and others are nice about everyone, it is balance. Craig is different after judging, I expect they all are. It’s criticism that makes us ramp up our game. Suck it up. Everyone is easily offended. I guess I came up in a time when we didn’t have everything given to us. We didn’t have the means for that and we certainly didn’t expect it. Parents were stricter about behaviour too. All these little darlings that have everything they could want or need and turn out to feel entitled doesn’t do them any favours. Life is hard and we turned out to be tougher and able to work hard for what we needed. It was a kind of apprenticeship for life and we are still here and battling on. All the woke people are destroying everything worth having. Already they are saying has strictly had it’s day. Here we go again. All the hard work that has been put in and it would be torn down. It really is so sad. In our day, if there was a dispute, it would have ended with the guilty being read the riot act and then get on with it. A much better way. I’ll wait for the backlash!🤣😂

[@fizzypop1249]

I enjoyed the interview. But I think like you. She just said enough but nothing at the same time about Giovanni. Definitely didn’t want to say anything out of line.

[@Sam-n1x8f]

What an odd interview 🧐 She's vocal enough about the (apparently) systemic bullying in dancing when talking about it in abstract terms, but still refuses to back up a woman who has been deeply traumatized by one of her colleagues. They should be ashamed of themselves. Release the rehearsal tapes and lets stop the speculation and victim blaming. 🤦

[@eleanorryan2750]

Shirley was always a delight on ' Strickley '. A lovely intelligent lady. Regards from Ireland 🇮🇪 💚

[@sharonbaughen5764]

I love you Shirley your down to earth good honest woman you deserve respect 😘🌈💕

[@bredanash2745]

Lovely down to earth person.

[@Adrian-bt4nf]

No winner ever got to win without blood sweat and tears

[@EmoBearRights]

Shirley - rats are very smart and actually quite cute so well done for reclaiming being named as one.

[@openyreyes]

Such a gorgeous lady inside and out.

[@bichonbuffo]

I hope she stands up for Amanda who was abused and bullied by Pernice.

[@originalindiechick7999]

Love Shirley! X

[@louiseetherson1455]

Great woman, great mum, great dancer and teacher, and all round wonderful, xx

[@gillianp1]

Shirley is such a lovely lady true professional with a pure genuine kind heart. Stay happy and healthy 💗

[@lynnyork2825]

What a lovely, beautiful, positive, strong lady you are ❤

[@markjones5843]

She's great for her age. Shirleys a good role model for any young person

[@ksc743]

I remember the first time Shirley was on Strictly as a judge. She was just drop dead gorgeous. She still is. I've always thought she's fantastic for the show. A real asset, and a great role model as you say. I always look forward to seeing Shirley on Strictly. From a South African fan🇿🇦❤

[@markjones5843]

@@ksc743 I agree 👍

[@amandakeall4828]

So sad that such a lovely man is suffering so much. No more strictly for me.

[@honeybee3414]

Not a lovely man👹

[@missy3429]

50 hours if footage...he certainly hasn't been cleared

[@Milburt]

Abbington tried it on with him and he rejected her. She’s hellbent on revenge.

[@missy3429]

@Milburt well there is 50 hours of footage

[@Milburt]

@@missy3429 crikey, she had it bad for him

[@mariedolan1205]

Oh I have to buy this book 😮

[@tonyukkola5341]

On sale Poundland

[@bonnie9082]

Brilliant Lady ❤

[@maggiem.1539]

Strictly was at its best in the first few series! I believe now it’s over the top, expects too much from non dancer guests. It should be more fun and relaxed. The judges shouldn’t expect perfection and are too harsh., I write this as an ex dancer myself,

[@jacquihenderson1385]

❤ what abeautiful lady inside and out. Truly an inspiration!

[@tbeau6663]

I love Shirley all relaxed and so entertaining

[@RosemaryOltarzewski]

What a lady. 🎉🎉😊

[@sharonbaughen5764]

I agree they do not need to have phone’s in school’s I think there’s not enough interaction with people and children 😪

[@miketomlin6040]

Shirley should have worked for the Post Office- ''not my problem - guv'nr''!

[@teresahowell1812]

Love your mums saying. I’ve always told my girls to smile and wave but will use your mums now. 😊

[@gilliancooper1574]

Such an attractive Lady

[@heatherkirkland9056]

So she had a Ghost writer ?

[@lumden1999]

Well I miss Giovanni - loved watching him dance.

[@Annie-yv7rc]

Surely all these rehearsals are filmed for everybody’s safety

[@lilyansell3799]

I've always loved Shirley Ballas but I would love to meet her at my 74yrs of age (but with my full makeup). I'm Italian too!Xxx

[@laurainebelsey2498]

Shirley is amazing love her xx

[@christinasmyth5674]

What a lady 🤩👍👏❤️

[@TheLucyblades]

So she's a knowing enabler? Instinctively not believing women who are victims? Her experience makes her part of the toxicity unfortunately. ''Abuse is a modern invention, everything was fine for me with the BBC'. This is irresponsible and inappropriate. 'You have to be more vigilant' - so, it's on the victims then? Nice. Let's not hold the abusers accountable, eh? This is overall awful, throughout.

[@phoenixrising5088]

Abuse has been around since time immemorial .

[@rimshot2270]

I believe Ms. Ballas, but it has gotten to the point that women can destroy men over the most inconsequential, alleged slight.

[@honeybee3414]

How dare you comment on such a thing.There are women out there who won't complain about abuse because of her stupid interview. 😡

[@equatorialjourney4478]

Every important societal change witnesses extremes in the early stages , but the changes themselves are indeed needed . Our kids, grand and great grands deserve better than their forebears who had to be silent and comply with unacceptable behaviour . That’s a legacy we owe future generations

[@jaynepeach4689]

So Shirley didn't actually write the book. Would it be perseved that she had a Ghost writer to help her

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

So nice to see the person behind the TV Model. So glad I came across this. Says all I hoped to hear.

[@SidneyHarris-k4z]

Stay strong Shirley!

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

How can she do a whole interview about bullying and then completely skirt the question about bullying on her show? Spineless.

[@Ionabrodie69]

She will have been told NOTto say anything it’s an ongoing investigation .. stupid 🙄

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

@@Ionabrodie69 No what's stupid is agreeing to do an interview about bullying then not addressing the elephant in the room. It removes all credibility. She should've just not done the interview because everything she's said has no credibility when you don't talk about the abuse around yourself.

[@lisamoore9238]

Totally agree

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

It was obvious to me as a viewer that Ms Abbington was not having a good time on the show - I can't believe Shirley as head judge didn't notice or didn't think she had a duty of care towards the contestants she judges. Also Craig Revel Hallwood bullied Angela Scanlon all the time, apparently to cut down the competition to the same sex couple he wanted to ensure got to the final. Craig called Angela UGLY one week in an effort to break somebody with a known history of eating disorders. All the judges seemed fine with that!! Please don't think you take bullying seriously or that the judges don't share a duty of care with the producers. Wake up.

[@AlternativeAgeing]

What a woman. What a star. Love this interview. Suzi x

[@chellie7887]

I like Shirley, but it was obvious she would stick up for Giovanni.

[@Ionabrodie69]

No NOT obvious. It would be much easier for her to follow the crowd and condemn him..for the record I don’t believe a word Amanda Abington says..🙄

[@annekehooreman1730]

did you see her interview really unbelievable you think now is she talking about someone else. Over the years watching him no i don't believe she should have been told that she could aspect that and not thinking she could break Giovanni.Hope BBC is going to ask him to come back.​@Ionabrodie69

[@honeybee3414]

​@@Ionabrodie69vidios don't lie love.

[@honeybee3414]

​@annekehooreman1730 He is broke why has run off to Italy. The BBC will never have the bully back.

[@legend9335]

I like her openness but pity not open about the present problem. That is the root of the problem. She needs to point a finger otherwise she is aiding and abetting and it will continue.

[@phoenixrising5088]

She can't say anything, as the allegations are still on going.

[@whollyaligned]

the rat is from Chinese astrology and relates to the year you're born, not the month e.g. when Shirley said September/Virgo.

[@joannejobling5754]

Funny how she's chirping up now after the investigation has now started.

[@w.dossett3332]

I also wondered why she never spoke up before? Perhaps self preservation ?

[@merightin]

She's great, but isn't the Rat a whole year of people every 12 years?....it's why I don't agree with horoscopes

[@phoenixrising5088]

Chinese astrology is based on Animals in 12 year cycles.

[@eileenkiely5417]

Sticking up for Giovanni is shocking, shame on you, listen to all of his partners who have suffers while being partnered with him, they are surely not all lying, open your eyes and you might see the real Giovanni. strictly come dancing is not the greatest show on earth, it’s making money from abusing people to get good ratings

[@Tidybitz]

@eileenkiely5417 ... She can't really comment on an ongoing investigation, give her a break. Plus, I just wondered who, as you say, "all the partners who have actually suffered" are because I haven't heard that "all" partners have complained. Please let me know? Or, maybe you automatically think someone must be guilty if they're accused?

[@erictaylor2831]

Sorry she completely skirted round bullying.

[@mariantebb6730]

Sorry, don't know her name.

[@106Bitcoin]

She is very good looking especially for her age.