Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has taken to social media to share that she’s currently ‘getting in shape’ ahead of the 2025 series of the BBC One dance show
Shirley Ballas has shared with her fans that she’s “getting in shape” for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, following a tantalising teaser about her return. She will resume her role as the head judge on the BBC One dance competition when the 2025 series begins next month, joining fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
The professional line-up for this year was confirmed back in April, including hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Dancers Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Nikita Kuzmin, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk are all set to return for the 2025 series.
Also gracing the ballroom floor once again this year will be Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Michelle Tsiakkas, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola and two newbies.
While preparations are currently in full swing, with celebrities filming their VTs for the launch show and professional dancers pre-recording group numbers for the upcoming series, the judging panel has a bit more breathing space before returning to action.
As for Shirley, she’s disclosed that she’s currently on a juicing retreat, sharing glimpses from her sunny Portuguese getaway on Instagram. In a fresh photograph, the ‘Queen of Latin’ was pictured poolside in her swimwear, soaking up the rays.
She captioned the image: “A bank holiday well spent at @juicemasterretreats … off to a great start. Thank you @jasonvale, it’s the best place on earth. Getting in shape for the season ahead @bbcstrictly.”
The compliments poured in thick and fast. Strictly 2025 contestant Vicky Pattison commented: “Looking fab girl.”
Last year’s finalist and actress Sarah Hadland gushed: “The legs,” whilst Tasha Ghouri responded: “You look amazing!”
One follower wrote: “You always look fantastic! Lovely to see you relaxing.”
Another posted: “You look amazing! I hope you’re feeling relaxed. Can’t wait for next month when Strictly is back!” Someone else added: “Looking fantastic and Strictly ready!”
The BBC show also revealed that two new professional dancers would be joining the ranks: Alexis Warr, champion of So You Think You Can Dance, and Julian Caillon from Australia’s Dancing With The Stars, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Earlier this month, it seemed the celebrity line-up for Strictly 2025 was finalised. However, last Thursday (August 21), it was announced that Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn had to withdraw.
Shortly after, Lewis Cope – best known for his role as Nicky Milligan in ITV’s Emmerdale – was confirmed as Kristian’s replacement, rounding off the celebrity line-up for Strictly 2025 once more.
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