Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has revealed the terrifying ordeal she faced after being stalked for six years by a man who has now pleaded guilty to the crime.

Kyle Shaw, 37, relentlessly pursued the 64-year-old television personality between 2017 and 2023, sending her alarming messages and causing significant distress. 

The ongoing harassment forced Ballas to heighten her security measures in an effort to protect herself.

A Disturbing Six-Year Ordeal

Shaw’s behavior towards Ballas spanned more than half a decade, leading to serious concerns for her safety. 

According to the official charge, he engaged in a “course of conduct” that involved sending messages online, which amounted to stalking and left the dance judge feeling deeply alarmed.

The prolonged harassment had a major impact on Ballas’s daily life, with the charge specifying that Shaw’s actions had a “substantial adverse effect” on her usual activities.

Security Concerns and BBC’s Support

The case comes just months after Ballas spoke about an unsettling incident in which a man—whose connection to Shaw is unclear—was spotted taking photos of her home and car. On another occasion, she reported that someone had lunged at her, reinforcing the fears she had already been living with due to the stalking ordeal.

Reflecting on how the experience has changed her, Ballas admitted that she no longer feels as carefree as she once did.

“I like to be kind of like a free bird,” she explained. “But we’re coming into times now where you have to be more vigilant of yourself.”

She went on to share that she has taken extra precautions, including installing additional security alarms and frequently updating her mother about her whereabouts for safety reasons.

“I always tell my mum, ‘I’m here, I’ve arrived.’ I wouldn’t bother normally, but it’s become a thing that we do. I always like to say, ‘I’m safe, I’m in the right place, I’m where I should be.’”

Despite the distressing experience, Ballas expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the BBC, emphasizing their strong duty of care.

“Thankfully, the BBC’s duty of care towards me has been one thousand percent. They have been fantastic,” she said.

Feeling Protected Amid Fear

The Strictly judge explained that during particularly difficult times, measures were put in place to ensure her safety. Since Shaw was from the North of England, Ballas often had someone accompanying her from her hotel to her workplace, as well as routine check-ins to make sure she felt secure.

“I just felt very well protected,” she shared.

Shaw, in addition to pleading guilty to stalking, also admitted to possession of cannabis. He has been granted conditional bail and is set to be sentenced on April 1st.

Living in Fear: Shirley’s Experience with Stalkers

This is not the first time Ballas has spoken out about being targeted. She previously opened up about her concerns following the conviction of Gavin Plumb, who had attempted to kidnap television presenter Holly Willoughby.

Speaking on the Invite Only podcast, Ballas revealed that her own stalker had been under investigation and that authorities had confiscated his computer and phone.

“There was one particular person who was kind of stalking me. That is under investigation at the moment, as we speak,” she said. “He was taking pictures of my house, he had my house, he had my car.”

Ballas admitted that there have been moments where she has felt genuinely afraid.

“So, yes, there have been times when I have been fearful. I meet people, and the majority of them are fantastic, but then once or twice, someone will lunge… this one particular person would lunge at me, and he really feels he knows me.”

She acknowledged the disturbing reality of how some people form false attachments to public figures based solely on what they see on television or social media.

“He feels he knows me. But he only knows me from the TV. Or from following me on social media. And that’s quite alarming.”

Moving Forward

Despite the ordeal, Ballas remains focused on her work and personal life. However, she now takes greater precautions and encourages others in the public eye to do the same.

The sentencing of Kyle Shaw will likely bring some closure to the six-year nightmare she has endured, but Ballas’s story serves as a stark reminder of the risks that come with fame. With stronger security measures in place and the unwavering support of her colleagues and loved ones, she continues to navigate life with resilience.

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