A 37-year-old man has admitted to stalking Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas over a six-year period.
Kyle Shaw, of Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead, Wirral, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to stalking Ballas, 64, between August 31, 2017, and November 29, 2023. He also admitted to possessing a quantity of cannabis.
Shaw was granted conditional bail ahead of his sentencing, scheduled for April 1. His bail conditions include a ban from entering London and any contact with Ballas or her partner. A provisional trial had initially been set for January 12 next year, with proceedings expected to last five days. Judge Robert Trevor-Jones adjourned the case for a hearing today.
Ballas, originally from Wallasey, Wirral, has served as the head judge on the dance competition since 2017. She has previously spoken about the distress the alleged stalking has caused her, revealing that it has left her feeling fearful and hyper-aware of her surroundings.
“I always have George, the guy who’s driven me for the last five years, get out of the car first, always scanning. I wouldn’t say it’s the healthiest thing. You know, I like to be kind of like a free bird, but we’re coming into times now where you have to be more vigilant of yourself,” she shared. “I am a very vigilant person. When I go out, I’m careful not to go alone.”
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