Shirley Ballas has been having acting lessons.
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge is desperate to land a role in pantomime next year so has enrolled herself into theatre classes to help prepare herself for a potential part.
Speaking to the Radio Times magazine, she said: "I’d love to do panto. I have started taking acting and singing lessons. It would be a true experience.
"I’d really love to do panto next year. Why not? You should take advantage of whatever opportunities come your way."
The 57-year-old dancer received mixed reviews when she claimed the head judge position on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ last year – taking over from fan favourite Len Goodman – and, although she’d love to reclaim her seat this year, she doesn’t know if bosses will want her back because of the backlash she initially got.
She said: "I’ve had the most spectacular time. There have been some things to get used to like Twitter and the press. But generally I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being on the show. As of yet, nothing has been decided. So we will wait and see…
"I’m quite a perfectionist. When I first came on and I had to judge the first show, it was terrifying. I take my job extremely seriously. You are totally under scrutiny. I go from week to week. I’m married to what I do. I think I did pretty good. I would probably give myself ‘seven’. In anything you do there is room for improvement."
However, Shirley is also being lined up for a regular position on ‘Loose Women’ after she made a guest appearance on the lunch time show last month.
A source said at the time: "No one really knew Shirley in the UK before she joined ‘Strictly…’ but she has won a place in the nation’s heart. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and has led a really interesting life that people know very little about. If she enjoys her time on the programme, bosses are really keen for her to return on a regular basis."
Shirley Ballas is having acting lessons
