Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about how vile death threats from trolls have made her terrified to leave the house.
Speaking of her ongoing ordeal with Love Island star Olivia Attwood on an upcoming ITV documentary about trolling, the star revealed some of the disturbing letters and messages she has received.
This comes as Shirley Ballas returns to the Strictly judging panel alongside Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Strictly judge Shirley Ballas reveals vile coffin drawings amid death threats
Me after tonight’s show @bbcstrictly pic.twitter.com/CDS9glIevf
— Shirley Ballas (@ShirleyBallas) September 23, 2023
The 63-year-old, who has served on the BBC show's judging panel since 2017, told Olivia: "I've had people draw coffins with me in it with somebody with a spade that said, 'Die you bitch'".
Adding: "Are they lurking in dark corners? Are they hiding behind walls when you go somewhere?"
Later in the eye-opening episode, Shirley Ballas revealed that this abuse keeps her from sleeping soundly in her bed, explaining: "I lie there and wonder, Are they suffering? Are they lonely? Is it funny to them?"
She said that the harrowing messages have left her "much more vigilant" as she revealed that she can no longer go outside without being "on point".
The Strictly Come Dancing judge added: "I never relax. It has changed my life completely I would say."
One hour to go @bbcstrictly enjoy the first results show of the series. Xxx 💛✨ pic.twitter.com/aGGPPlyNIj
— Shirley Ballas (@ShirleyBallas) October 1, 2023
This comes after she told the Mirror last year that she had received "hateful messages" after voting a contestant off the show.
She said that "one in five" of the messages were "hateful" with many accusing her of being bias towards certain contestants.
Speaking of the 2022 season, the star said that the abuse had "snowballed" out of control and that this impacted her so badly that she was left at "an all-time low".
Olivia Attwood vs The Trolls is available to watch on demand via ITVX.
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