Shirley Ballas ‘hires expert to fight trolls’ after horrific Strictly Come Dancing abuse
30.07.2023 - 19:13
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Shirley Ballas has enlisted the help of an expert to run her social media during Strictly Come Dancing to avoid the horrific trolling she previously dealt with.
The Strictly head judge previously opened up about the negative effects that cruel trolls had on her whilst the series aired last year. Shirley, 62, has enlisted a social media manager to run her accounts in a bid to stop letting the trolls get to her.
Insiders told the Daily Star: “Shirley has brought in an expert to help her deal with social media. After years of taunts, she is taking control of the situation.”
Shirley's social media manager will filter all comments and messages for the judge to ensure she doesn't see any of the vile insults thrown her way. The insider added: “Shirley won’t have to read the nastiness anymore. It means she can focus on her job as head judge.”
This comes after Shirley opened up about the effects that the trolls had on her, leading her to take time off at Christmas once Strictly finished airing. She told S magazine: “It’s the first time I’ve taken any time off – ever! I’m taking two and a half weeks off, because of the immense amount of trolling I got throughout this series.
“I decided I wouldn’t do panto this year. Last time I did it, I got a letter hand-delivered to the theatre that was very off-putting. I’m going to take some time off and just get myself together for the new year.”
She also opened up on the abuse during another interview, and how it affected her mood in her every day life. Speaking to OK! Magazine at the time, she said: “I’ve enjoyed the series but I’m not going to stand here and lie to you – it took its emotional toll.
“The names I’ve been called! I couldn’t even repeat them to you.”
She added that the backlash