Skip to content

Alleged Strictly judge stalker appears in court

BBC Publicity shot of Shirley Ballas, in a red, frilly, off-the-shoulder dress, with blue curtains in the backgroundBBC
The defendant has been ordered not to contact Ms Ballas

A man accused of stalking Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has appeared in court.

Kyle Shaw, 37, from Birkenhead was due to enter his plea on Tuesday, but the hearing, at Liverpool Crown Court, was adjourned, pending a report.

Judge Robert Trevor-Jones adjourned the case after a few minutes, with a new hearing scheduled later this month, on 25 February.

Mr Shaw was remanded on conditional bail, which includes not entering London or contacting Ms Ballas or her partner.

Shaw, 37, is accused of stalking 64-year-old Ballas for more than six years, between 31 August 2017 and 29 November 2023, by sending her online messages.

He is also charged with possession of a quantity of cannabis.

No pleas were entered during the hearing on Tuesday, and Shaw spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood what had been said.

A provisional trial date was set for 12 January 2026.

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

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.