Man sentenced for stalking Strictly Come Dancing judge

A Merseyside man has been sentenced for stalking and harassing Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas.

Kyle Shaw, 37, of Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead, began contacting relatives of the former dancer and TV personality in 2014. The contact became threatening and abusive when they refused to engage with him.

Ms Ballas, 64,  became a Strictly Come Dancing judge in 2017 and at this point, Shaw started contacting her and her family directly.

In October 2023 Shaw made repeated attempts to make contact with Ms Ballas and sent her a picture of her address.

He followed this up with a post of a picture of her house, saying he would ruin her life and everyone around her.

He continued to contact her friends and relatives. The people he contacted tried to explain to him the effect his constant messages and harassment were having on Ms Ballas but he ignored them.

On 5 December 2023, Shaw was arrested and his mobile phone was seized. His home was searched, and a tablet was seized along with a quantity of cannabis.

He was charged with stalking involving serious harm and distress and possession of a controlled Class B drug.

He pleaded guilty on 25 February 2025 at Liverpool Crown Court and today, 1 April at the same court, he was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment, suspended for 20 months. 

Senior Crown Prosecutor Natassia McAdam, of CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Kyle Shaw’s attempts to contact Ms Ballas were clearly stalking.

“They were persistent and became abusive and caused anxiety and distress over a prolonged period of time.

“His behaviour became increasingly erratic, and she feared he would become violent. He knew what he was doing would cause her alarm and distress.

“ We would like to thank Shirley Ballas and her friends and family for their help bringing Kyle Shaw to justice. This has been a very difficult time for them and they have behaved with dignity and composure throughout.”