Man pleads guilty to stalking Strictly judge Shirley Ballas over six-year period

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has been stalked by a man who has admitted guilt.

Kyle Shaw, 37, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to stalking Ballas, 64, between August 31 2017 and November 29 2023. Additionally, he admitted to possessing a large amount of marijuana.

The defendant, of Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead, Wirral, was given conditional bail ahead of a sentencing hearing due to take place on April 1. Ballas, originally from Wallasey, Wirral, has been head judge on the BBC show since 2017.

Shaw was given bail, but the terms included no contact with Ballas or her partner and no entry to London. The trial was scheduled for January 12 of that year’s, with a five-day trial period. The case was adjourned for a hearing by Judge Robert Trevor-Jones today.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge made reference to the alleged stalking on The Mirror’s Invite Only podcast, which she admitted had made her frightened. She went on to explain that it has made her very “vigilant” and said: “I always have George, the guy who’s driven me for the last five years, get out of the car first, always scanning. I wouldn’t say it’s the healthiest thing. I’m known for being a kind of free bird, but there are times when you have to be more watchful of yourself. I am a very vigilant person. When I go out, I’m careful not to go alone.

Shirley praised the BBC for its support during the discussion and shared the message she sends her mother without fail.

” You’re upping your level of alarms. And (now) I always tell my mum: ‘ I’m here, I’ve arrived’. I wouldn’t bother normally but it’s become a thing that we do. I always like to say: ‘ I’m safe, I’m in the right place, I’m where I should be. ‘ Thankfully the BBC’s duty of care towards me has been one thousand percent, they have been fantastic, “she said.

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Source: Mirror