Strictly Come Dancing judge blasted rival TV show in script row

Shirley Ballas takes aim at Dancing On Ice over DOI 'stealing' her script

Strictly star claims Dancing On Ice 'copied' her critique of contestant after she shared it with Phillip Schofield

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has hit out at rival TV show Dancing On Ice, accusing them of "stealing" her script. The 61-year-old ballroom expert is a regular guest on ITV's This Morning, where she often gives her opinion on the latest contestants and performances on Strictly. However, she claims that her critique of Dancing On Ice contestant Libby Clegg was lifted word-for-word and used on the show without her permission.

Ballas took to Twitter to express her anger, writing: "I am absolutely disgusted that @dancingonice has stolen my critique of @RealLibbyClegg from my appearance on @thismorning! This is plagiarism and I will not stand for it!"

She went on to claim that she had shared her critique with Dancing On Ice host Phillip Schofield, who she said had "promised" not to use it on the show. However, she said that she was "shocked and disappointed" to see her words being used without her consent.

A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice has denied the allegations, saying that the show's producers "did not steal" Ballas' critique. They said that the show's judges "often use similar language to describe performances" and that it was "coincidence" that Ballas' critique was similar to the one used on the show.

However, Ballas has stood by her claims, saying that she is "certain" that her critique was stolen. She said that she has spoken to her lawyers and is considering taking legal action against Dancing On Ice.

The row has sparked a debate about plagiarism in the TV industry. Some people have defended Dancing On Ice, saying that it is common for judges to use similar language to describe performances. However, others have said that Ballas has a right to be angry if her critique was stolen.

The row is likely to continue in the coming days, as Ballas and Dancing On Ice continue to trade barbs. It will be interesting to see if Ballas takes legal action against the show, and if so, what the outcome will be.

What do you think? Was Dancing On Ice wrong to use Shirley Ballas' critique without her permission? Let us know in the comments below!