Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas issues four-word reply after 'last series' probe

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Shirley Ballas was quick to hit back at online trolls following the end of Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 final. The show's esteemed head judge made a dazzling live appearance for the last time this season on Saturday night, December 14th, as BBC One's hit dance competition drew to a resplendent conclusion.

Alongside her co-judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, Shirley savoured the finalists' performances. Each couple delivered three stunning routines in hopes of snagging the coveted title of Strictly champions.

While the panel dished out their scores, the ultimate decision lay in the hands of viewers, as their votes alone determined the victor with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell jubilantly hoisting the glittering trophy by night's end, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Despite the festive mood, Shirley took to social media to confront a sour comment from an audience member. The disgrunteld viewer wrote: "Make the most of what should be your last show!!"

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas issues four-word reply after 'last series' probe (Image: BBC)

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Unperturbed, Shirley firmly responded: "Thank you I will. Hope you enjoyed the show and found it positive." One viewer took to social media to share their thoughts on the winner.

They commented: "Worst dancer won again so won't be watching next year and yes I know it was the public and not blaming you for that. I would be interested to know how you feel about someone winning just because they were blind?" However, Shirley was quick to defend the decision.

She responded: "I have total respect for the viewers opinions. Millions voted and everyone has their favorites. For me they all danced simply brilliant. A huge congratulations to our winners. All our finalists and to all who took part. I'm waking up feeling happy. Have a beautiful day."

Shirley also took to Instagram to celebrate Strictly's latest victors, posting a series of photos with the finalists, including a heartfelt embrace with Vito and a conversation with Lauren.

Shirley was quick to defend Chris winning the show (Image: Shirley Ballas Instagram)

She captioned the post: "Your @bbcstrictly Champions 2024 ... @chrismccauslandcomedy and @diannebuswell. Huge congratulations to you both. I'm in awe of you. You are two truly extraordinary human beings and I am so very grateful to have crossed paths with both of you. Judging you each week has been a privilege."

Shirley also took a moment to thank the audience and viewers for tuning in and voting each week, along with the other contestants this series. The head judge congratulated runners up JB Gill, Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri, complimenting their commitment to the show.

She continued: "Walk out this ballroom with your heads held high. You are 'true' inspirations. Congratulations also to everyone who danced for us this year. You were all wonderful and it has been a blast. I am forever grateful to be a part of a show that brings joy to millions of living rooms across the country.

"To all who work on and off the camera, thank you for putting on the best show on television. Thank you to you all for tuning in. I love you all. Have a beautiful Christmas. Hugs."

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Chris was announced as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 (Image: BBC)

Speaking about his win, Chris said: "It's astonishing, I don't know what to say. I thought I would go out in the first week or two. We have lasted and lasted and she has got so much out of me, she deserves this so much.

"This is for her and for everyone out there who thought... who got told they couldn't do something or thought they couldn't do it. With opportunity and support and determination anything can happen."

Strictly Come Dancing is availale to watch on BBC iPlayer.