Shirley Ballas says she'd "like to marry" her fellow 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Shirley Ballas

Shirley Ballas

The 57-year-old legendary dancer has received mixed reviews from viewers since joining the ballroom and latin judging panel in September, but she's enjoyed her time alongside Craig, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell and admits she has a soft spot for the 52-year-old critic, who she described as "kind and caring".

Speaking to RadioTimes magazine, she gushed about the panel: "I've know Bruno for 11 years and he's as mad as a hatter. Craig is a doll. I just love him; I'd like to marry him. He's everything that you would want in a man: he's kind, he's caring, he's thoughtful - he's just a wonderful human being."

As for ballet dancer Darcey, the Liverpudlian says while she comes from a wealthy background, they get on extremely well as she has a great attitude.

She said: "She's like Snow White, she's so beautiful. Our background are worlds apart. I come from a housing estate, the underprivileged if you like, and she comes from privilege.

"But her persona and her lovely attitude just work well with mine.

"She's so kind I want to cuddle her all the time and give a squeeze."

Meanwhile, Shirley revealed her elderly mother, 81-year-old Audrey Ballas, has been giving her advice for the BBC One show and told her to tone down her technical language.

She told the publication: "She said, 'I love it that you're giving your technical advice, but what are you talking about? Can you put it a little bit more in layman's terms?'"