The Queen of Latin, who replaced Len Goodman on the show, opened up about her experience so far and spilled the beans on her fellow judges.
When asked about Bruno Tonioli’s recent absence from the panel on Saturday night after photos of him emerged enjoying some time off in Los Angeles, she defended: “Well obviously he flies back every week for Dancing With The Stars and Strictly, and I saw the photograph.
“It was just outside his dressing room and I think he just had some friends visiting. He’s flamboyant and lovely and we missed him a lot this week.”
She continued: “And Craig [Revel Horwood] is just a pussycat and mad as a hatter. He sent me flowers when it was my birthday, he spoils me rotten, he’s lovely.
“And Darcey [Bussell] is just motherly, even though she is younger than me, so beautiful, she is genuinely such a sweetheart.”
“It’s a great dynamic, we have a wonderful time,” the 57-year-old added.
It came after Shirley confessed that she was stunned to have been offered the role of head judge but was thrilled bosses had chosen another woman to join the panel.
“Well, I have to say I did fall to my knees, I was quite shocked,” she admitted. “I was not expecting to get the job so it was a really nice surprise.
“I was pleased they gave it to a woman, I’m not going to lie.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday on BBC One at 6.35pm.
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One at 6am.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
