Strictly star weighs in on ‘favouritism row’ amid shake-up that saw Shirley Ballas stripped of deciding vote

Published on September 30, 2025 at 04:53 PM
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A FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star has hid his say on the show’s ‘favouritism’ row that saw Shirley Ballas dethroned of head judge status.

The BBC show unveiled one of its biggest format shake-ups in years to the programme when it was confirmed that the role of

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke at the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 launch show.A Strictly pro has had his say on the latest judge shake-up Vincent Simone poses at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2012.Vincent Simone thinks it is a good decision

Shirley will now no longer have the casting vote on who should be eliminated each week.

After seven years of having the top seat, if the result is a tied decision, the role of the final outcome will be roated betweel all FOUR judges for the first time in the show’s history.

Now, former pro dancer Vincent Simone has confessed he thinks the outcome is good in a bid to avoid bias on the judges behalves.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Vincent revealed: “I imagine the dancers are relieved at the changes.

“The judges are of course meant to be impartial, but if I was on the panel I would have my favourites too.

“This allows for variety and the idea of rotating the final vote is a really great thing.”

The Sun previously revealed how the decision had been taken to “spread the hate” amongst the panel after Shirley found herself being cruelly trolled over her decisions week-on-week.

Execs made the change after over abuse about unpopular opinions.

She has been accused of sexism, and even had death threats — and almost quit in 2022 over concerns for her mental health.

The has supported her during her throughout.

Announcing the change on Saturday, she said: “For seven years, I have been responsible for one gruelling decision. But that’s about to change.”

Host confirmed viewers will decide who out of Shirley, , and it is.

Shirley told a fan online: “I can’t wait to see Anton send someone home.”

A show source said the change will be an “exciting addition”.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup

Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up

  • will be showing off his dance moves on this year’s show.
  • has signed up.
  • .
  • pulled out with injury and has been replaced by Love Island winner Amber Davies.
  • is the first drag star to join the main series
  • became the first contestant with to take part.
  • is swapping the boardroom for ballroom dancing
  • I’m a Celeb winner has been announced.
  • Emmerdale actor was announced as the last contestant.
  • Game of Thrones star pulled out of the show before the launch date over medical reasons.
The cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Vicky Pattison, Thomas Skinner, Ross King, George Clarke, Stefan Dennis, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Karen Carney, Ellie Goldstein, Chris Robshaw, Lewis Cope and La Voix.All the judges will have a responsibility when it comes to the final decision

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