**Kyle Shaw Admits to Stalking Strictly Come Dancing Judge Shirley Ballas at Liverpool Crown Court**
A 37-year-old man has pleaded guilty to stalking Shirley Ballas, a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, over a span of six years. Kyle Shaw admitted to the charges involving the 64-year-old dancer and television personality, which occurred between August 31, 2017, and November 29, 2023. The charge states that he caused Ballas “serious alarm or distress, which had a substantial adverse effect on her usual day-to-day activities.”
The court was informed that Shaw made persistent attempts to contact Ballas, including sharing an image of her home on social media. He also reached out to her family, friends, and colleagues, monitored her online and television presence, and attempted to attend her book tour. Due to his actions, Ballas felt compelled to enhance her security measures, relocate her mother, and change her social and work arrangements.
Shaw, who resides on Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead, was granted bail at Liverpool Crown Court and is scheduled for sentencing on April 1. He also admitted to possessing cannabis. Judge Gary Woodhall indicated that an immediate custodial sentence is likely.
Ballas, originally from Wallasey, has served as the head judge on Strictly since 2017, taking over from Len Goodman. Known as the ‘Queen of Latin,’ she retired from competitive dancing in 1996 after achieving numerous titles and has since become a dance coach and international judge.