Shirley Ballas struggles to speak after Strictly audition

Shirley Ballas, a prominent figure in the dance world, faced a challenging audition for BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. During her audition, she was unexpectedly asked to critique Ann Widdecombe's performance, which was notably poor and received the lowest score of the season. Ballas, who had just arrived from the United States, found herself unprepared for the situation, especially after a pointed comment from judge Craig Revel Horwood. This left her momentarily speechless, as she struggled to process the performance she was witnessing. The pressure of the cameras and the cold studio environment added to her discomfort. After the audition, she candidly expressed her disappointment to the executive producer, Louise Rainbow, using an expletive to describe her performance. However, Rainbow encouraged her to return the next day in a more casual outfit, suggesting a more relaxed setting for her to showcase her talents. This experience highlights the intense pressure and unpredictability of auditioning for a high-profile television show, especially for someone of Ballas's caliber, who is used to coaching and performing at a high level. Ultimately, this initial setback did not deter her, as she went on to become a key member of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel, showcasing her expertise and passion for dance.