Shirley Ballas shuts down Carrie Symonds 'Strictly Come Dancing' rumours

Kerry Martin
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 2019/08/26: Shirley Ballas at the Strictly Come Dancing Launch at BBC Broadcasting House in London. (Photo by Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Shirley Ballas at the Strictly Come Dancing Launch at BBC Broadcasting House in London. (Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett)

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has silenced rumours that Carrie Symonds will appear on this year's series.

Appearing on This Morning on Tuesday to talk about the upcoming series, Ballas denied the rumours in the best way she knows how, via dance, as she got up on her feet and said: “With a boom, boom, boom and a shimmy… no!”

Holly Willoughby asked for further confirmation: “So she’s definitely not?”

To which Ballas replied: “99.9999%, it’s a family show, it’s not a political agenda.”

Phillip Schofield retorted: “Well, that’s that!”

Read: Shirley Ballas announces dad's death with emotional tribute

As intrigue towards who will appear on this year’s series amps up, it was recently reported that Boris Johnson’s fiancée Symonds, was a potential candidate.

Carrie Symonds, partner of Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, speaks veterans following the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London, Sunday Nov. 8, 2020. (Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP)
Carrie Symonds, partner of Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, speaks veterans following the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, London, 2020. (Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Following the show’s recent eye-watering success, Line Of Duty stars Vicky McClure (Kate Fleming) and Gregory Piper (Ryan Pilkington) are top of the rumour mill for potential bookings.

Munroe Bergdorf has also revealed her aspirations to be the first transgender star on the BBC show.

With the professional dancer’s line-up already confirmed, Ballas was cautious to remain tight-lipped about which celebrities are set to be given the Strictly treatment, only giving away that they’re starting to get the celebrities together and that she thinks viewers will be, "mesmerised, surprised and really, really intrigued.”

In regards to the judging panel, Ballas added that she’s hopeful that her fellow judge Bruno Tonioli will be back this year. The Italian missed last year’s series as he was unable to fly back to the UK due to the pandemic.

Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood The Strictly Come Dancing 2020 judges (BBC)
Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood The Strictly Come Dancing 2020 judges (BBC)

Last series saw much-loved professional Anton du Beke step in as a judge for two weeks after judge Motsi Mabuse had to self-isolate.

Read more: Giovanni Pernice wants the challenge of same sex 'Strictly' partner

Speculation has also been circulating around same-sex couples, as Strictly bosses are reportedly keen to feature two same-sex couples this year, after Nicola Adams and Katya Jones made history last year before having to leave early due to contracting coronavirus.

Watch: Shirley Ballas talks Prince George

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