STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have been left convinced that Shirley Ballas could be about to quit the programme for good.
Rumours have been swirling that she could be preparing to walk away from the programme after 10 years at the helm.
During her appearance on spin-off programme, It Takes Two, Shirley made a very telling comment that left fans predicting her departure could be imminent.
Others described the tone of the conversation as akin to an ‘exit’ interview after a montage of her 10 years on the programme was shown.
One fan commented on the scene and wrote: “Why does this feel like an exit interview for shirley???”
One person picked up on the moment that Shirley said: “I’ll be on strictly till the day I die or the day they kick me off it.”
One interpreted it as her preempting that she could be prompted to leave as they wrote on X: “Ok Shirley is definitely going isn’t she.”
In the segment, Strictly regulars including Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Katya Jones and Dianne Buswell were on hand to congratulate Shirley, 66, as she celebrated her milestone during an appearance on the BBC flagship’s sister show.
But it was an unexpected message from son Mark, 40, a trained choreographer who currently features on US variant Dancing With The Stars, that left her speechless.
Speaking from the show’s Los Angeles studio, he said: “My mum loves this craft, she’s dedicated her life to it, and I can’t think of anyone better to sit in that chair and give you feedback, that you can take with you, to improve on your journey.”
He added: “Congratulations mum, I’m so proud of you, I love you, enjoy. Happy ten years.”
Shirley herself fanned even more flames that her time on the BBC programme could be nearing the end as she shared a lengthy post paying tribute to her time on the show.
She said on Instagram: “Thank you @bbcstrictly for the most beautiful, unexpected surprise this evening.
“10 years on what I truly believe is the very best show on television. All those years ago, I walked into a world of television that was completely unfamiliar to me and little did I know what was in store.
“To all the boys and girls on the show, thank you for your incredibly kind and touching words. You have no idea how much they mean to me.
“We share something very special, and I feel so incredibly fortunate to have been part of your journeys. I am proud of you all, I only ever want you all to do your best and I hope you know how much love and admiration I have for each and every one of you.
“To the Strictly fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your messages, your kindness and your support.
“I never take it for granted. In a world that can sometimes be so quick to focus on negativity, your love and positivity shines so very brightly.
“Please know that every message and every kind word means more than you will ever realise.”