Strictly Come Dancing legend Shirley Ballas tipped for key role in US sister show

Ballas will return to Strictly Come Dancing next month.

Shirley Ballas wearing a pink dress, smiling ahead with one hand on the side of her hair.

Vince Valitutti/Disney via Getty Images

Published: Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at 11:49 am

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Shirley Ballas is reportedly in talks to appear as a judge on Dancing with the Stars.

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Dancing with the Stars is the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, where Ballas is currently head judge and will be returning to the panel next month.

The Sun reports that execs in the US have been impressed with her appearance on spin-off The Next Pro – a reality series that follows 12 up-and-coming dancers who move into a house together and compete through the audition process, all vying for a spot as a professional dancer on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.

Ballas judges alongside her son Mark, with reigning champion Robert Irwin serving as host.

An insider claimed: "Discussions are still in the early stages and it’s not certain if she would be taking on a full time position or a part time position. There are many considerations which Shirley will have to make before signing on the dotted line."

Mark and Shirley Ballas stood next to each other. Mark is mid-speech while Shirley is turned to him and smiling.

Mark and Shirley Ballas. Vince Valitutti/Disney via Getty Images

A representative for Shirley Ballas declined to comment when approached by Radio Times.

Ballas will be back on UK screens next month as Strictly Come Dancing makes a return, alongside fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Last year there was a slight change in judging duties, with the head judge power rotating to a different judge each week should there be a deciding vote.

Ballas explained at the time: "For seven years I've been responsible for one gruelling decision, which hasn't always been easy. But that's about to change. It's time that power was shared by a different judge each week."

It hasn't yet been confirmed if the format twist will return this year.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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