Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has revealed that she will be taking some time off from work after the Christmas period.
Speaking to S Magazine, the head judge revealed she had made the decision following the immense amount of trolling she has faced in the past year.
"It's the first time I've taken any time off – ever!" she said. "I'm taking two and a half weeks off, because of the immense amount of trolling I got throughout this series.
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"I decided I wouldn't do panto this year. Last time I did it, I got a letter hand-delivered to the theatre that was very off-putting. I actually kept it. I don't know why.
"So I'm going to take some time off and just get myself together for the new year."
She continued: "There's always trolling, but for me, this year, it was worse than ever, and I don't know why."
Last month, Shirley opened up on the heightened criticism she has received this series, revealing that the comments had begun to impact her mood.
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During an interview with OK! Magazine, she discussed the impact of online trolling, saying: saying: "I’ve enjoyed the series but I’m not going to stand here and lie to you – it took its emotional toll.
"The names I’ve been called! I couldn’t even repeat them to you."
Shirley has faced extensive online criticism multiple times throughout the series in response to her opinions as a judge.
She added that the backlash had seek help from a doctor for her mental health, saying: "[I’m] emotional and low and I’m not going to lie to you, it did affect me this year for sure. I have [been to the doctor]."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One, while spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows also stream on BBC iPlayer.
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