Strictly’s Shirley Ballas has revealed what she is looking forward to the most when the iconic show returns later in the year. 

The head judge, 63, who has fiercely defended professional dancer Giovanni Pernice after he stepped down amid the bullying accusations, appeared on Loose Women on Friday to discuss the upcoming series.

Appearing on Loose Women on Friday, Shirley told the panel she cannot wait for Amy Dowden to return full time, after doctors found no evidence of cancer in her body following her diagnosis last year.

Describing the professional dancer to Kaye Adams, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jane Moore and Gloria Hunniford, Shirley said: ‘She is so inspirational, she’s kind, she’s caring and even in her darkest moments which I know she had a few, she was always concerned about everyone else.

‘She’s unique, she’s special and I am delighted she’s back on the show.’

She added: ‘She is one of the strongest women I know. She is amazing.’

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Shirley Ballas appeared on Loose Women on Friday and revealed what she is most excited for on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing which celebrates it’s 20th anniversary

Her appearance comes after the head judge defended Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice who has been accused of ‘bullying behaviour’ and called him ‘a splendid teacher’ and ‘absolute gentlemen’

It’s not the first time Shirley has heaped praise on one of the professional dancers from the show as earlier in the year she defended Italian dancer Giovanni , calling him a ‘perfect gentleman’.

The BBC launched an investigation into Giovanni , 33, after he was accused of ‘threatening and abusive behaviour’ while working with celebrity contestants on the show , including Amanda Abbington, 50, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore.

Shirley went on to say that the dancing show – which celebrates it’s 20th year in September – has ‘a lot of different things’ happening when it airs as things have been ‘tweaked’.

The head judge, who landed the role in 2017, also opened up about her future plans and the thought of slowing down.

She said: ‘I will retire when I’m ready. In my industry, you can still kick your clogs at 94 and at 95 you can still keep teaching. There are lots of competitions to still go to, so I have no intention of retiring.’

Shirley – who joked that her eight-month-old grandson shall call her ‘Glam-ma’ – looked sensational for the TV interview in a short black dress with gold embroidery on the shoulders and sleeves.

Her appearance on Loose Women comes after she defended professional dancer Giovanni.

Speaking about the bombshell revelations earlier in the year, Shirley said on ITV’s Lorraine: ‘I’ve known Giovanni for many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher. My only ever experience with him is he is an absolute gentlemen. He gives 100%.

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The professional Latin dancer revealed that the iconic show has ‘a lot of different things’ when it returns to screens this year as things have been ‘tweaked’

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Shirley who took on the role as head judge seven years ago opened up to the panel saying that she is not looking to retire and only will when she is ready

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Talking about Amy Dowden’s return to the show, Shirley described the Strictly pro as ‘inspirational, kind, caring, unique’ and ‘special’ adding she is ‘delighted’ she is coming back

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Amy will return to Strictly this year as a permanent professional fixture after she revealed doctors found no evidence of cancer in her body in February

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 Throughout the series last year, the Strictly pro made a few surprise appearances reading out the terms and conditions

‘Strictly and shows like that they are tough shows so you know when you sign up for that kind of thing. It’s quite difficult to do the show.’

Giovanni’s former celebrity partner Amanda claimed the show left her with PTSD and reportedly demanded footage of the pairs rehearsals together, hoping the video footage could ‘back up’ her claims.

Three women, including actress Amanda, have also reportedly hired £700-an-hour lawyers at leading London law firm Carter Ruck.

The dancer launched a fightback by hiring rival law firm Schillings. His case is being handled by Joelle Rich, 39, who represented Johnny Depp in his libel trial in 2020.

A spokesman for Giovanni told the publication: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm Giovanni is fully cooperating.

‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.’

Giovanni also shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies.

He said in a statement: ‘You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

‘I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.

‘Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”