Strictly fans slam Shirley Ballas as she shushes audience who boo her after cruel critique

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were left fuming this evening as Shirley Ballas shushed the audience.

The head judge, 63, was booed after she started criticising Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin’s performance.

Shirley hit back and continued to share her thoughts on the performance - suggesting he works on his footwork.

Those watching at home were not impressed, with one person writing: “Oh shut up Shirley.”

A second said: “Oh f**k off Shirley and your inability to be booed.”

A third commented: “Shirley always picks one person to nit pick at. Lol every year. She will let so much slide when it comes to others.”

“Can shirley give critique without sounding so passive aggressive? “it’s a ballroom and latin competition” really! i’m sure he knows,” added a fourth.

And a firth remarked: “Shirley is so annoying when she shushes the crowd.”

Layton and Nikita strutted a tango to Olivia Rodrigo’s chart-topper Vampire.

Afterwards, Shirley told him: "I think you are an exceptional dancer. I think everybody knows that.

“You can drum, you’ve got all the tricks… but for me it is still a ballroom and Latin competition and there are certain fundamentals, particularly like when you’re going into promenade which is a very basic step.”

As the audience started booing, she hit back: “No, hang on a minute. Please wait a moment. Basic at the bronze level.

“When you’re going into promenade the first step is a heel… I’m just talking keep working on the footwork as you know you’ve got the rest, but what’s difficult is the fundamentals.”

Speaking to Claudia after his performance, Layton said: “The nerves got to me a bit this week. I want to always level up and people be excited for what I have to give.”