Shirley Ballas ignites controversy with attention-grabbing move following Alex Kingston’s flawless Strictly dance
Controversy erupted during the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing as Shirley Ballas showered commendation on Alex Kingston. The actress, alongside her professional partner Johannes Radebe, delivered a mesmerizing Rumba to Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” Their performance garnered a standing ovation from the audience, showcasing their skill and dedication.
Shirley Ballas’s Unforgettable Gesture
After witnessing their flawless routine, Shirley Ballas, known as the “Queen of Rumba,” left her judging panel seat to applaud Kingston personally. Host Tess Daly highlighted the significance of Ballas standing in support, indicating that such accolades were rare.
Ballas expressed her admiration directly to Kingston, stating, “In all my time on Strictly, I have never seen a pair of legs work like that.” She noted the intricate choreography and chemistry between Kingston and Radebe, which added depth to their performance.
The Emotional Response
In a heartfelt moment, Ballas asked Kingston for a kiss, prompting cheers from the audience. Fellow judge Anton Du Beke joined in, congratulating Kingston as well. The judges awarded scores that reflected the duo’s outstanding performance; Ballas gave the pair their first perfect score of the series—a 10. This milestone marked the earliest 10 awarded for a Rumba in Strictly history.
| Judge | Score |
|---|---|
| Craig Revel Horwood | 8 |
| Anton Du Beke | 9 |
| Motsi Mabuse | 9 |
| Shirley Ballas | 10 |
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While many praised Ballas for her enthusiasm, others voiced disappointment online. Critics claimed her actions overshadowed Kingston’s accomplishments. A few comments expressed the sentiment that Ballas made the moment more about herself rather than the dancer’s success.
- “Why did Shirley do that with Alex?”
- “EMBARRASSING! Shirley Ballas completely ruined that routine.”
- “Shirley needs to stop making the show all about her.”
Despite the backlash, some fans defended Ballas’s passion for the Rumba and celebrated Kingston’s stunning performance. The overall response illustrated the divided opinions among the Strictly fanbase.
A Stellar Placement
Kingston’s score of 36 not only secured her the top spot on the Week Four leaderboard but also solidified her bracket among the competition’s elite. Her performance captured the audience’s admiration, even amidst the controversy sparked by Ballas’s actions.
