Shirley: Sexist bullies tried to kill my career

SHIRLEY Ballas was ready to walk away from ballroom dancing because of the industry’s “misogynistic bullies” – until Strictly saved her.

- Tony Whitfield

The former champion dancer, pictured left, said that powerful figures tried to scupper her coaching career after she stopped dancing, as they did not want a woman in a senior role.

Shirley also said that bullying is still an issue today and that she is “pretty close” to naming and shaming those responsible.

On Desert Island Discs she revealed she faced criticism about her weight and shape throughout her career, to the extent she became a “yo-yo dieter”.