SHIRLEY Ballas today hit out AGAIN after being cruelly trolled amid an on-going fix row.

It comes as the head judge, 60, fueled speculation she might quit Strictly Come Dancing, following backlash from fans.

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The speculation comes after Shirley responded to criticism on social media, addressing negative comments about her judging.

Her recent remarks suggest frustration with the ongoing scrutiny and trolling she has faced, sparking concerns she may choose to quit.

Today she posted an Instagram video where she thanked fans, after she had been cruelly trolled.

Speaking from a hotel in Gibraltar, Shirley said: “Hi everyone, I’m currently in Gibraltar for a couple of days, promoting my new book. I’m going to see the Rock of Gibraltar and all the monkeys, I’m excited about that.

“But I’m mainly on today because I wanted to thank you all for reaching out with your beautiful messages.

“For you know, for the handful of vitriol and awful messages I got, I got thousands of supporting messages and that really made my day.

“So I appreciate that. Anyway, I’m looking forward to Blackpool next week.

“I shall be doing a book event at the Winter Gardens on Friday and then we’ll have the competition on Saturday in the Tower Ballroom.

“So I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of you outside that stand and want to say hello.

“But again, you know, hugs from me to you because you sure made me feel better this week.

“To each and every one of you that understand the show, I love you. Take care.”

The backlash against Shirley came after Strictly Come Dancing said goodbye to Shayne Ward on Sunday when he became the seventh celebrity to be axed on Sunday night.

The former X Factor star went up against GoCompare star Wynne Evans and Katya Jones during Sunday’s results show.

Both couples performed their routines again, with Shayne and Nancy Xu dancing their rumba to Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper.

Then, Wynne and Katya performed their American smooth to Grace Kelly by Mika.

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After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts.

Both Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse chose to save Shayne and Nancy.

But Anton Du Beke opted for Wynne and Katya.

With two votes in favour of Shayne and Nancy, the decision on who would stay came down to Shirley, who decided to save Wynne and Katya.

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As Head Judge, Shirley’s was the deciding vote, meaning that Shayne and Nancy would be leaving the competition.

Some fans have blasted Shirley for having favourites in the dancing competition.

Taking to X, one fan wrote: “Can we start a petition to get Shirley off this show, she doesn’t even bother trying to conceal her favouritism anymore and she’s head judge?? It’s just not fair on the other contestants #strictly.”

Shirley jokingly replied: “Where do I sign lol. Night night. X”

Some fans disagreed: “The right one was voted off!! Shirley is brilliant!”

Others suggested: “I do think in that situation, two each, they should revert to the public vote, i.e whoever got most goes through.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6:45pm on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.

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Charlamagne Tha God has been hit with backlash after he repeatedly misgendered Caitlyn Jenner.

The 46-year-old radio host recalled how Jenner came out as a transgender woman in 2015 during a new episode of his show,The Breakfast Club. His remarks came as Jenner showed her support for U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election last week.

“If there’s one thing this election taught me it’s that people really do vote their interest, and their interest is not attached to their identity. And I must say, it’s fascinating to me,” Charlamagne said while pointing out that many people who voted for Trump were Latinos, despite the 47th president’s mass deportation plans.

“I just find it fascinating,” he continued. “That is also how I feel about Caitlyn because Caitlyn is trans but she is a huge Donald Trump supporter.”

Charlamagne – real name Lenard Larry McKelvey – then claimed that Jenner offered to work alongside Trump after he won the election.

“These two men will single-handedly save Western civilization and that starts with a strong United States of America,” she wrote on X/Twitter on November 6, alongside a picture of herself with Trump and Elon Musk. “I am here and at your service and forever indebted to your sacrifice for this country. Let’s Make America Great Again!”

She later clarified that she didn’t necessarily want to work in Trump’s administration, calling the Daily Mail’s headline about her making an “offer to Donald Trump” after the election “a bit misleading.”

“My stance remains unchanged as entirely supportive of the President, since 2015, emphasizing a commitment to serve if called upon,” she explained in a follow-up post.

However, Charlamagne still hit back at Jenner by describing her using he/him pronouns. He once again criticized the former decathlete’s support for Trump, who has pledged to “stop” gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors.

“Caitlyn Jenner, as a transgender, you just look like a devil damn fool glazing Trump and Elon the way you are after hearing stuff like that,” he said, after playing recent remarks from Trump, in which he planned to revoke President Joe Biden’s policies for gender-affirming healthcare. “Now, I don’t have a problem choosing issues over identity, but not if one of the issues is somebody trying to erase the existence of my identity altogether.”

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He added: “What I don’t like is when someone can reap the benefits of a community, but not stand up for the rights of that community.”

Charlamagne also alleged that Jenner “doesn’t want to be an advocate for the trans community,” but she took “advantages of all the privileges” of being transgender. He then discussed how Jenner was named Glamour’s “Woman of the Year” in 2015, in which she was described as “a trans champion.”

“If you’re going to be labeled a ‘trans champion,’ you have to be ready to go to the mat for them at all times,” he added, before calling Jenner “a rich white male.”

In the podcast’s YouTube comments section, many people criticized Charlamagne for misgendering Jenner during the episode.

“So y’all gonna let Charla get away with misgendering Caitlin like that? Where’s the outrage and the time to cancel him,” wrote one person.

“Charlie, you’re missing the mark on trans rights,” another user wrote. “Meanwhile you’re speaking ignorantly about a trans person, going against your party. Pick a lane bruh.”

The Independent has contacted representatives for Charlamagne Tha God for comment. A representative for Jenner declined to comment.

Following Jenner’s viral X/Twitter post congratulating Musk and Trump after the election, the reality TV star clarified her stance on being a voice for the entire transgender community. “I am not a trans advocate. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. But, I am a trans person,” she posted on November 6.

Days later, she reflected on receiving Glamour’s “Woman of the Year” award in 2015 – a title that, according to Jenner, she didn’t want to hold anymore.

“While I never competed for one of the dozens of ‘Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year’ awards, awarded to me in 2016, I accepted the award,” Jenner wrote on X/Twitter on November 9. “It has become clear, in speaking with many families, men and women, the distraught nature this acceptance of the award still brings them today. Upon discussion, thought and reflection, I agree.”

She concluded: “It’s important to me that I walk the walk, like I have on so many of the issues (minors not being treated for transitioning, and sports – no men in women’s sports) I can no longer in good faith hold onto this award.”

AN OSCAR-winning actor has been scouted as the next Dumbledore in the brand new HBO Harry Potter TV series.

Mark Rylance currently stars as Thomas Cromwell, Henry VII’s advisor, in the BBC period drama Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light – based on Hilary Mantle’s Tudor trilogy.

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But, according to media sources, he is also being considered for the part of the mighty wizarding head of Hogwarts.

If the rumours are true, then he is set to soon follow in the footsteps of Sir Michael Gambon and Richard Harris, according to Variety.

They said: “Variety understands that Warner Bros. Television hasn’t yet entered into negotiations with the actor, but the studio has reached out to gauge interest and availability.”

A rep for HBO said: “We appreciate that such a high profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation.

“As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals.”

This speculation comes after Warner Bros. launched an open casting call earlier this autumn for kids aged 9 to 11 to find the latest talent.

However, it is understood that they are seeking Hollywood heavyweights to play Hogwart’s professors and the other adults in the cast.

In the original films, Richard Harris was cast as Professor Dumbledore, the late Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall and Alan Rickman as Professor Snape.

Mark is an ideal candidate as an acting legend who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2016 Stephen Speilberg’s Bridge of Spies.

He also appeared in the 2016 animated film The BFG, based on the book by Roald Dahl, and in Dunkirk among others.

HBO is looking to adapt all seven novels by J.K Rowling.

It will seek to explore different aspects of the characters and plot, probing much deeper than each two-hour film does.

The series will be out in 2026.

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Gary Lineker will depart Match of the Day at the end of the season after more than 25 years fronting the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme.

Lineker succeeded Des Lynam as the primary host in 1999 having previously featured regularly as a pundit on the show.

With his contract due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, the 63-year-old entered into negotiations over an extension, but BBC bosses have elected to move on.

The former England striker will continue to present live football coverage through the 2026 Fifa World Cup, when he is set to step away from the broadcaster entirely. He will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.

“Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup,” Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said.

“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”

Lineker is one of the corporation’s best-known presenters, and the highest-paid of those whose salaries are declared, earning more than £1.3m a year.

The former striker has worked for other networks during his time on Match of the Day, while also co-founding leading podcast production company Goalhanger.

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He was briefly suspended last year after a post on X, formerly Twitter, about the United Kingdom’s asylum policy, which prompted a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines for presenters.

Among the names in the frame to succeed Lineker are Mark Chapman, host of Match of the Day 2, experienced presenter Gabby Logan and former England international Alex Scott, who has presented BBC television magazine programme Football Focus since 2021.

There have been just five lead hosts since the programme was first aired in 1964: Kenneth Wolstenholme (1964–1967), David Coleman (1967–1973), Jimmy Hill (1973–1988), Lynam (1988–1999) and Lineker (1999–2025).

BBC bosses have shared a huge update on the sixth series of Race Across the World.

The makers of the hit series confirmed exactly when they will film the next instalment of the BAFTA winning show.

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Producers of Race Across The World have started casting for the next series of the show.

They gave a detailed description of exactly what they are looking for from prospective duos.

The BBC started up a new dedicated website so potential pairings can apply to take part on the hit programme.

A statement on the page read: “The world is vast, and it’s waiting to be explored…Race Across the World, BBC One’s BAFTA winning hit series, is back and searching for intrepid duos, of all ages, ready to take a step into the unknown and embark on an epic race across land and sea.

“On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those selected will experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.

“Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they will travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured tradition.

“But the physical journey is only half of the story, as they take on the challenge of travelling across the world, perhaps the greatest thing they’ll discover is about themselves and one another.”

The company has revealed that they are now accepting applications.

It is also keen to hear from people who have a personal story to tell or a strong need for the jackpot prize money.

The site continued: “This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.

“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, to what lengths you would go to win.”

“Maybe you’re looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you’ve lost touch with.

“You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or want to explore a particular part of the world.”

In order to take part in the show, potential pairings have to be 18-years-old or over and legally reside in the UK.

The production company has also confirmed that filming is due to take place over an eight week period from September until November 2025.

Race Across The World – Winners so far

Since launching in 2019, BBC travel competition series Race Across The World has had four series to date. Let’s take a look at back at the winners so far…

• Series one: Elaine and Tony Teasdale: This married couple, who are retired PE teachers, won the very first series of Race Across The World.
• Series two: Emon and Jamiul Choudhury: The uncle and nephew duo emerged victorious in the show’s second outing.
• Series three: Tricia Sail and Cathie Rowe: These lifelong friends became the first non-familial pair to win a series.
• Series four: Alfie Watts and Owen Wood: Both aged 20, these friends bested four other pairs to win series four.

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Previous series of Race Across The World are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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A Wheel of Fortune contestant has gone viral after giving a wildly incorrect answer that saw him get teased by the hosts.

Considering how much pressure it can be appearing on a game show, there have been many times over the years where people have been left red-faced with their delivery of wrong answers, including the time British actor Amanda Henderson thought Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg was called Sharon.

A new hilariously wrong answer has rolled in – this time onWheel of Fortune.

While the classic show is set to be rebooted in the UK in 2025, with Graham Norton hosting, it remains appointment viewing for many in the US, where it is presented by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White.

In the latest episode, which aired on Monday (11 November), policeman Will Jordan from Wethersfield, Connecticut was introduced as a player alongside a fellow contestant called Kitina.

Will had a very strong start to his round that saw him tasked with guessing a popular six-word phrase and, after discovering more and more letters, the board read: “_ _ _E _OURSEL_F A ROUN_ OF _A___AUSE.”

He decided to have a go at solving but, instead of saying the correct answer, “Give yourself a round of applause,” he went ahead and bizarrely exclaimed: “Treat yourself a round of sausage.”

When Kitina swooped in to say the correct answer, Seacrest couldn’t help but tease Will over the error, which appeared to stun the audience into silence.

“Will, I kind of liked yours better,” he said. “That sounds better than just clapping right now.”

Will ended in third place, winning $8,000, and after the show, he broke down his blunder with the show’s special correspondent, Maggie Sajak.

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He told Sajak, who is the daughter of Ex-Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, that he “blanked”, adding:

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“Yeah, I’ll tell you, when the lights are on and you know the stars, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, it’s… I just went blank.”

He said he knew he would get teased by his friends and colleagues back home, stating: “I’m sure I’m gonna have sausages in my locker and police car when I get back, so we’ll try to have some fun with it.”

However, Will admitted it would all have been worth it if Maggie’s father was entertained by the incorrect answer.

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“If your dad, in retirement, is watching the show, maybe cracks a beer and has a laugh, it’ll be worth it,” he said.