Shirley Ballas is taking some time off work following a period of 'intense trolling'.
Strictly Come Dancing 's head judge, 62, made the decision not to do pantomime this year and instead enjoy a break over the Christmas period after being trolled relentlessly online throughout this year's series of the BBC show.
The professional dancer plans to take some time off for the first time ever and 'get herself together for the new year', following the Strictly final taking place.
Hamza Yassin and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystał broke down in tears during last night's live final [December 18], after beating Helen Skelton, Molly Rainford, Fleur East and their respective partners to be crowned the winners of this year's series of the BBC show.
The 20th series of the dancing competition saw head judge Shirley receive a lot of flack online, thanks to a selection of Strictly viewers disagreeing with her comments towards some of the celebrity contestants.
With Christmas just days away, Shirley is taking stock of the year and planning to spend some quality time with her loved ones over the festive period.
"It’s the first time I’ve taken any time off – ever!" Shirley explains. "I’m taking two and a half weeks off, because of the immense amount of trolling I got throughout this series.
"I decided I wouldn’t do panto this year. Last time I did it, I got a letter hand-delivered to the theatre that was very off-putting."
Speaking to S magazine, the star adds: "I actually kept it. I don’t know why.
"So I’m going to take some time off and just get myself together for the new year."
Shirley first revealed her plans for a Christmas break to the Mirror in October, explaining how cruel comments about her appearance sometimes make her doubt her wardrobe choices.
"The names I’ve been called, I couldn’t even repeat them to you," Shirley admitted.
She added how she can accept fans disagreeing with her opinions of star contestants on Strictly but personal insults about her appearance have left her feeling low.
The star confessed: "It makes you worry – ‘Do I look right? Am I too heavy?’ They say, ‘Cover up your bingo arms’, then it makes you think, ‘Should I wear a dress with sleeves?’
"One person said, ‘Your ears are too big’, so I got a tape measure out and measured my ears. Others say I look like I have a glass eye – that’s probably because I wear one lens.
"It’s just mean. I’ve been in this industry for 50 years. I’ve got awards for everything that I’ve done. Then to get somebody that thinks I don’t understand what I’m talking about…"
Shirley went on to reveal her partner Danny Taylor, 48, tells her to stay off social media while her Strictly co-judge Craig Revel Horwood, 57, urges her to take no notice of the comments.
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