Shirley Ballas faces ‘fix’ claims over close relationship with Dani Dyer
Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has been drawn into a row over alleged favouritism after her close relationship with contestant Dani Dyer came under scrutiny.
The claims have emerged as Dyer prepares to return to the BBC dance competition in 2026, having been forced to withdraw from the previous series after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals. She had been paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin and left the show before taking part in a live competitive performance.
Ballas has previously spoken warmly about Dyer, describing her as hard-working after the pair took part in Comic Relief’s 2019 Mount Kilimanjaro challenge. The nine-person team, which also included Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Dan Walker, completed the climb and raised more than £2 million for the charity.
The pair’s association predates Dyer’s return to the ballroom, prompting questions from some viewers about whether their friendship could influence the scores or comments she receives from the judging panel. However, no evidence of a fixed result or formal investigation has been cited, and there has been no confirmed suggestion that the BBC’s judging process has been compromised.
Dyer’s return was confirmed after last year’s injury, with the television personality saying she was excited to be back and hoping to make it beyond the opening stages this time. The 2026 series is scheduled to launch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 19 September, with Ballas returning alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.