“Strictly Come Dancing” head judge Shirley Ballas suffered a huge wardrobe malfunction when her elegant red dress burst open just minutes before the live show. This embarrassing incident, captured in a viral behind-the-scenes video, highlights the high-pressure world of TV production.
According to Express.co.uk and DevonLive, the 65-year-old star needed urgent help from her wardrobe team to stitch the gown back together as on October 19, 2025.
Shirley Ballas Wardrobe Malfunction: What Went Wrong on Set
The mishap occurred on October 11, 2025, during the 21st series of “Strictly Come Dancing”. Shirley’s floor-length crimson gown, featuring a keyhole-back design, saw its zip fail dramatically, creating a wide gap. Notably, this happened only three minutes before the broadcast, forcing a frantic fix.
The wardrobe crew rushed in, with one stitching the dress while another held it in place as Shirley gripped a clothing rail for support.
Additionally, the show draws massive audiences, with the 2025 launch peaking at 5.6 million viewers and averaging 5.4 million, per Daily Mail reports. This wardrobe blunder adds to the season’s drama, keeping fans hooked amid ongoing scandals.
Shirley Ballas’ Reaction to the Wardrobe Malfunction
Shirley shared the chaotic moment on social media, turning the embarrassment into a relatable story. In her video caption, she wrote, “POV: It’s three minutes till Strictly goes live, your paddles are waiting for you and the zip in your dress breaks.
So wardrobe have to run to your dressing room and stitch you in like their life depends on it.” However, she made it to the judges’ panel on time, joining Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and guest Cynthia Erivo.
Meanwhile, Shirley, who has judged the show since 2017, continues to shine despite such hiccups. Her quick recovery showcases her professionalism in a series that has seen over 10 million peak viewers in past seasons.
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‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Context: More Than Just a Malfunction
This Shirley Ballas wardrobe malfunction unfolded amid a tense episode, including a judges’ clash over contestant George Clarke’s performance. Shirley praised it as “synchronised to perfection,” while Anton and Craig critiqued its sharpness.
Overall, incidents like this remind viewers of the human side of celebrities, fueling discussions and keeping Strictly relevant in pop culture as of this evening.
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