word warning to celebs amid show scandal

Shirley Ballas, head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has issued a warning to the new cast of celebrities participating in the show's 20th anniversary season. She emphasizes the need for enthusiasm, a sense of humor, and a strong work ethic to succeed in the demanding environment of live television and dance. With a limited timeframe to prepare routines for a large audience, she stresses that success is not solely based on talent but also on hard work and joyfulness in performance. This year’s cast includes 15 celebrities, such as Jamie Borthwick, Chris McCausland, and Tasha Ghouri, among others. Ballas is particularly excited about blind comic Chris McCausland, whom she believes will entertain viewers with his humor and rhythm. Despite the challenges, she hopes the contestants will bring a unique sparkle to the show. The season has been overshadowed by controversy, including allegations against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who faces complaints of misconduct, and Graziano Di Prima, who was dismissed following an incident involving his dance partner. Both dancers have denied the allegations, and investigations are ongoing. Ballas remains optimistic about the future of the show, hoping it can overcome these scandals and continue to provide joy to audiences. She expresses her desire for the new cast and judges to experience the same happiness she has felt during her eight years on the panel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere amidst the challenges.