STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas could be in hot water with the BBC after getting paid for a cruise ship gig.

Shirley took her dancing shoes onto the high seas as she hosted a dance-themed cruise with the MSC cruise company for which she earned a reported £10,000.

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Strictly Com Dancing’s Shirley Ballas Credit: Getty

The dancing judge hosted a dance-themed cruise Credit: mscpressarea

The seven-night cruise sailed from Southhampton on May 9 through the Norwegian Fjords and onboard Shirley hosted a dance masterclass, attended a Q&A session with fans and even judged a passenger talent show.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining MSC Cruises on 9 May for some world-class cruising, stunning scenery and a bit of added sparkle on board,” Shirley said in a statement in February.

Shirley’s addition to the cruise was announced back in February but could potentially be in trouble with her bosses at the BBC as the public broadcaster does not allow personalities to earn outside income.

Generally, BBC personalities must declare any external earnings to the BEEB which it then publishes on its website for the public to read as a measure “promote the highest standards of impartiality.”

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Shirley sailed with MSC cruise company around the Norweigan Fjords Credit: Getty

But Shirley could potentially be in strife with BBC bosses over the gig Credit: BBC

But Shirley is likely exempt from that policy as she is not hired directly by the BBC, but rather BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the broadcaster which produces Strictly.

All of Strictly‘s hosts and judges are hired via BBC Studios production company, including the incoming new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.

Shirley, 65, confessed to The Jattvibe earlier this month that the announcement even came as a surprise to her as she was expecting only two new names to be revealed. 

“I met Josh for the first time this week, he’s a charming chap,” Shirley said.

Shirley is known for being a host on the hit BBC programme Credit: PA

Which means that they may not have to declare their outside earnings Credit: instagram/shirleyballas

“Emma, of course, I did Cooking With The Stars with – that’s a seasoned presenter and just a gorgeous lady. 

“And who doesn’t love some Johannes? We all love him. 

“It’s going to be interesting because we thought we were getting two but we ended up with three. 

“But the chemistry between Emma and Josh, I’m told, is off the charts.

“So let’s see.” 

Shirley also confirmed FIVE new professional dancers are joining the show after a brutal cull saw the likes of Nayida Bychkova and Karen Hauer axed.