Shirley Ballas’ Stalker Sentenced After Six Years of Harassment

A man who stalked Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas for over six years has been given a suspended prison sentence. Kyle Shaw, 37, from Birkenhead, believed Ballas was his aunt and her late brother was his father, based on what his mother had told him.

Shaw sent abusive messages, threats, and set up fake social media accounts, causing significant distress to Ballas and her family. He also followed her 86-year-old mother in a store and posted personal details online, leading to Ballas moving her mother from Merseyside to London.

Shaw admitted stalking Ballas and causing serious harm between 2017 and 2023. He was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for 20 months, and placed under a lifelong restraining order. He will never be allowed to contact Ballas or her relatives again.

Defending Shaw, his lawyer cited long-standing mental health issues, including his belief that Ballas was part of his family. Shaw has agreed not to contact them again and will undergo rehabilitation, including drug treatment.

Shirley Ballas, who has been the head judge on Strictly since 2017, expressed relief after the case, highlighting the emotional toll Shaw's behavior took on her and her family.