Shirley Ballas believes it will be tough to pick a 'Strictly Come Dancing' winner.
Shirley Ballas
The head judge feels that this year's troupe of stars are the best in the show's history and she suggested any contestant could end up lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy.
Shirley told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "If we take the whole group collectively, everyone is good at something. It could be their personality, their acting skills, it could be their grace and charm."
The 60-year-old star revealed that she particularly rated older contestants such as actress Caroline Quentin, also 60, and comedian Bill Bailey, 55.
Shirley explained: "Caroline's timing and her arms. It was subtle and so beautiful... and Bill Bailey, who'd have expected that? They are all capable of winning. It's not only dancing, it's the journey and warming to the audience. I really didn't want to send anyone home.
The popular BBC One show will return without a studio audience this weekend due to the new coronavirus lockdown in England and contestant Clara Amfo revealed that the stars have been left "gutted" by the move.
The 36-year-old Radio 1 DJ told BBC's Morning Live: "Having friends and family to cheer you on really adds to the experience, but the main thing is the show is still on. This year, we needed it more than ever."
This year's series is set for an epic finale with five couples battling it out to land the Glitterball trophy. Show bosses opted for a bumper final week instead of double evictions with the series shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A source said: "They are sure it will capture imaginations. It will make things much more open – with the potential for big shocks."
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