Strictly viewers demand return of show legend to ‘replace’ Shirley Ballas after ‘sexism’ row

STRICTLY viewers have demanded that one of the show's legends returns to ‘replace’ Shirley Ballas.

It comes after the dance veteran, 62, has been accused of preferring male celebrity dancers to women on the hit show.

3

3

3

Fans of the BBC show have claimed that the dance veteran is sexist after her decision to back Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, 34, over Singer Fleur East, 34, in the dance off on Sunday night.

And it's not the first time that it has happened.

Ex-Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley was ousted in favour of BBC Breakfast presenter Mike Bushell during the 17th series, Chris Ramsey got Shirley's vote in 2019 over footballer Alex Scott, and Greg Wise was picked over Judi Love last year.

Viewers have had enough and would like to see Arlene Phillips back on their screens as head judge.

Read more on Strictly

'MISS YOU'

Strictly star looks worlds away from the ballroom in throwback snap with gran

hitting back

Strictly's Shirley Ballas shares cryptic post after fans demand she is sacked

"Sack Shirley and bring back Arlene Philips, one wrote on Reddit.

Another said on Twitter: "Bring back Arlene #Strictly."

A third chimed in: "bring back Arlene Phillips or bring a new fresh face! #strictly."

"Petition to get Arlene back in Strictly," a fourth tweeted.

Most read in TV

finger flash

Watch as Richard Gere makes obscene gesture at TV host leaving her stunned

PLATTASTROPHE

First look at devastating Corrie New Year house fire for 'cursed' family

BABY JOY!

Loose Women's Coleen Nolan announces she's a grandma again

hot date

Listen to Carol Vorderman’s cringeworthy voice note to I’m A Celeb's Melvin

Arlene was on the judging panel between 2004 and 2009.

Back in 2020 the star launched an investigation into her sacking - 11 years after the BBC axed her from Strictly.

Arlene was replaced by the show 2009 winner Alesha Dixon.

On Sunday night fans went into meltdown when Shirley decided to back a man over a woman in the dance off.

One viewer fumed on Twitter: “Sexist Shirley would rather save men darting around in animal costumes than the technically-skilled and beautiful dancer Fleur?”

Read More on The Sun

NUMBER CRUNCHER

Martin Lewis reveals way to calculate running cost of household appliances

Another said: “Shirley Ballas should be removed from the panel. She’s setting a bad example. Her views are outdated and sexist. Please let this be her last year, or preferably week.”

Twitter user Elaine Harvey added: “Shirley seems to have completely lost the plot this season. She is downright rude, sexist and blatantly has her favourites.”