STRICTLY star Arlene Phillips has defended Shirley Ballas after the head judge received backlash following a favouritism row.
Last week, Shirley hit back back after online trolls launched a petition to get her kicked off the show.
It followed her decision to vote off singer Shayne Ward - which also led to abuse on social media.
Now former Strictly judge Arlene, 81, has said that being a judge is never easy or "fair" - as you simply can't keep everyone happy.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Arlene addressed whether the criticism Shirley had received was justified and fair.
Arlene told us: “Is life fair, no, is judging fair? No. Even who wins, is that fair?
"I thought Leyton [Williams] last year was one of the most outstanding dancers we’ve ever had and his partnership was sensational.
"Life just isn’t fair.”
Arlene also revealed who she is rooting for to win - but said a surprise dark horse could steal the Glitterball Trophy.
She told us at the Beauty Awards 2024: "I've been watching it on and off, it's an exciting Strictly this year. I honestly think where we are now, I think it could be anyone's game for all different reasons.
"But they are all in their own way fabulous. Even Pete who isn't a great dancer is fascinating.
"Sometimes it's not the best dancer that wins, it's somebody who's really interesting.
"I think any of them, I just hope it's going to be a surprise.
"I love Chris, he's fascinating and he just celebrates the joy of dance and anyone who cannot see, when he stepped up on show one onto that bench and up onto the arm of the bench.
"It was like 'how can you do that and look so graceful and confident'. For me that made him the winner right from the start."
Arlene, who was a firm favourite on the BBC show from 2004 until 2008, also hit out at trolls who slammed Tasha Ghouri's past dance experience.
She shared: "I think Tasha's wonderful and beautiful, last week her ballroom dance was sensational.
"She may be a commercial dancer but a lot of commercial dancers don't do ballroom, don't know ballroom, don't know how to hold. It was unbelievable, it was so brilliant."
Arlene said she currently has her hands full with her West End shows, having choreogprahed a number of musicals over the years.
She has been behind Grease, We Will Rock You, Starlight Express and Flashdance among others.
Backlash for Shirley
Shirley, who joined the BBC One series seven years ago, got a barrage of stick after last week’s shock dance-off between the Coronation Street actor and Wynne Evans. It resulted in the judges saving the opera singer.
Some people have started a petition calling for Shirley to be sacked from her role.
But she has hit out at the “vitriol” and pledged her future to the show.
Asked if she is going to be part of the line-up next year, Shirley, 64, said: “You know, I’m not going anywhere as long as the BBC would like to have me.”
She added firmly: “I judge without fear or favour.
“I’m just someone who sits in that chair as head judge to stay in my lane and judge the dancing — legs, feet, body co-ordination, synchronisation and chemistry between the leader and the follower.”
