Strictly’s Shirley Ballas increased security measures due to stalker, court told

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas moved her mother to a different home and increased security measures due to a stalker, a court has heard.

Kyle Shaw, 37, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to stalking Ballas, 64, causing serious harm or distress, between August 31 2017 and November 29 2023.

The court heard he made continued unwanted attempts to contact Ballas, posted on social media about the star, including posting an image of her house on social media, attempted to contact her family, friends and work colleagues, monitored her online and TV presence and made arrangements to attend her book tour.

According to the charge, his actions had a “substantial adverse effect” on Ballas’s usual day-to-day activities as she increased her security measures, relocated her mother to a different property and made different arrangements surrounding her social and work arrangements.

Shaw, who wore a long black coat and T-shirt, also admitted possession of cannabis.

The defendant, of Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead, Wirral, was given conditional bail ahead of a sentencing hearing due to take place on April 1.

Judge Gary Woodhall told Shaw: “There is a very real risk you will receive an immediate custodial sentence and you must come to court prepared for all eventualities.”

He ordered a pre-sentence report.

Ballas, originally from Wallasey, Wirral, has been head judge on the BBC show since 2017.