Judge Shirley Ballas suspects there is already a budding romance on Strictly.

The judge, 64, was asked about whether the Strictly curse could strike this year – and her answer suggests she knows of one couple who are already getting close.

Shirley teased: “I think you’ll guess who’s got the chemistry going on. And that’s what makes their performance kind of special. We won’t mention any names, but there’s always some chemistry going on, you know. It makes the world go around.”

She may not be not naming names but her racy comments about reality star Pete Wicks, 35, and Jowita Przystał, 30, the previous week could be a bit of a giveaway. The pair have lit up the dancefloor with their sizzling chemistry. Last week Shirley described their connection as “too hot to handle”.

Strictly kicked off its 20th series last month with Shirley back in the hot seat on Saturdays alongside Craig Revel Horwood, 59, Motsi Mabuse, 43, and Anton Du Beke, 58, judging the new celebs.

She also spoke out about the Strictly bullying review coming back.

The BBC investigation was sparked by claims from actress Amanda Abbington that dance partner Giovanni Pernice had been “abusive and cruel”. It upheld six of her 16 claims, mainly relating to the former pro’s swearing. Head judge Shirley – who has known Giovanni for a decade – was asked about the findings during a book talk on Tuesday night. In an apparent show of sympathy for Amanda, she says: “I don’t condone bullying – I’ve been through it myself.

“So if things aren’t right or need addressing, I feel for the person that wants them addressed. And I think that’s a big, important part – that everybody gets to say their thing. But now the investigation is over and everybody can move on.”

Shirley Ballas also opens up about the bullying review

Shirley is back on judging duties
Shirley says any extra safeguarding for celebrities joining the show could only be a good thing, as she heaped praise on the show for caring for her. “The eight years I’ve been on the show, it’s been great safeguarding,” she says. “I’ve always felt taken care of when the bullying got really bad.

“I was getting hand-delivered letters and one person was drawing a coffin saying ‘Die, you b****’. Strictly were 100% supportive, so my experience on the show has been fantastic. I’m not from a TV world but I can only say that I’ve received much better care from Strictly than I ever received in my own industry.”

The BBC has apologised to Amanda, 50. Complaints of bullying and harassment were upheld by the report, but claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not. Amanda called it a “vindication of [my] complaint”, while Giovanni, 34, said he was “happy” the more serious allegations had been thrown out.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing ( 
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At the weekend we saw the show lose its first couple, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, 24, and Nadiya Bychkova, 35. And not only does Shirley face flack from fans for sending their favourites home – her mum, Audrey, 87, also ticks her off if she doesn’t like her decisions.

“You have no idea,” laughed Shirley as she promoted her book, Dance to the Death, at Henley Literature Festival. “You send the person home and she doesn’t think they should go. She said, ‘Well that dress doesn’t suit her’ and ‘What have you done to her hair?’

“So she’s very honest with what she likes and she doesn’t. I wouldn’t have it any other way with her.”