Strictly judges' amazing body transformations – intense fitness regimes to dramatic weight loss

Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton du Beke are the judges on the latest series of Strictly - and the stars have all transformed their bodies in recent years

Strictly Come Dancing has made a dazzling return to BBC One, cutting through the static of swirling speculations about its 20th season amidst some scandalous professional dancer abuse claims. Swishing onto our screens last weekend, were the familiar faces of judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke for the first live extravaganza of 2024, introducing fans to the glittering array of celebs set to shimmy their way through the competition.

The judging panel has undergone some truly stunning body transformations over the years, from Motsi shedding two stone to Shirley opening up about her gruelling fitness regime. So how do they stay in shape to look and feel their best? Speaking exclusively to OK!, Nataly Komova, fitness expert and personal trainer said: "Strictly Come Dancing is a unique platform where the physical transformation of its stars often mirrors their personal growth on the show.

"For someone like Motsi Mabuse, shedding two stone is more than just a cosmetic goal; it’s likely the result of a calculated balance between structured cardio routines and a well-planned dietary strategy. Her weight loss likely prioritises sustainable practices such as intermittent fasting or cyclical low-carb phases, rather than crash diets. This method ensures not only visible results but a long-term commitment to her overall health, which is essential for the physically demanding nature of the show."

She added: "Shirley Ballas, on the other hand, likely combines functional training with dance-specific workouts to stay in peak condition. Given her role, her fitness regime may go beyond typical gym exercises. It’s plausible that she incorporates Pilates or ballet-inspired training, which are excellent for enhancing core stability and flexibility, crucial for long hours on her feet and the postural demands of judging."

Lets delve into some of these amazing personal journeys...

Motsi Mabuse

The 43-year-old panellist Motsi Mabuse has always been candid about her self-image, openly sharing with The Mirror about feeling "body conscious" even after losing two stone through a consultation with Weight Watchers following the birth of her child in 2018.

Yet she resists letting weight and appearance concerns take over her life. She relayed to the outlet her dedication to a positive mindset, stating she "doesn't want to grow old and remember years spent worrying about her body image".

In discussions with Express.co.uk about shedding pounds post-baby, Motsi noted: "For me, it works, you know Weight Watchers. It works because you can integrate it into your daily life. I think it's very important that people don't feel like they are missing out on something."

"It was important for me to be like, 'Ok, I can have my chocolate and I'm still losing weight'. I've lost 14kg and discovered the importance of self-care."

Shirley Ballas

Shirley Ballas never fails to dazzle on the dance floor with her glam looks, and it seems her radiant appearance might be credited to her tough workout routine. At 64, the head judge hasn't shied away from lavishing £2,000 on a Peloton bike, dedicating 90 minutes each day to her fitness.

She's also quite mindful about her diet and confided in The Mirror back in 2021, "I do have to diet unfortunately. I have some personal issues when it comes to weight to do with myself. Even now I'm on the Peloton for an hour and a half every day trying to get the strength up and get trimmed down ready for the show."

Shedding light on her personal drive, she added, "It's just personal. It's a personal feeling. I like to feel healthy. I like to feel in shape. I like to make sure my lungs are working well for me."

Craig Revel Horwood

In stark contrast, fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood, famed for his tough feedback, has recently opened up about his long-standing struggle with an eating disorder, which he disclosed in an interview with the Daily Record earlier this month, saying he subsisted almost entirely on lettuce.

Craig candidly expressed, "When I studied myself in the mirror every morning and night, anything that wasn't muscle I saw as fat. I was terribly insecure about my body and having my supposed flaws judged by others. I disgusted myself and I also felt guilty about my behaviour. I was never happy with what I saw but that is what body dysmorphia and eating disorders do to you."

Reflecting further on his condition he said, "I was paranoid about everything that passed my lips and as I'd cut out protein, my energy was low."

Craig Revel Horwood has spoken candidly about his struggles with anorexia, revealing that the condition could have been fatal. He attributes his recovery to a career shift from dancing to choreography in 1997, prompted by a shoulder injury that required cortisone injections.

Anton du Beke

Meanwhile, Anton du Beke, a beloved judge and former Strictly professional dancer, credits his healthy lifestyle for maintaining a "good body". In an appearance on the Monday Mile podcast, the 58 year old shared: "I've got a lucky body, I've been in good shape all my life. I've never been out of shape. I don't smoke, I don't drink - I don't do anything like that."

Anton emphasized the importance of self-care, stating: "I eat well, I sleep well and I don't suffer from any injuries. I've had a good body and I've looked after it."

Having been a part of Strictly since its inception, Anton added: "I've never taken recreational drugs and I haven't drunk since I was 18. I've always done the right things but have also had great fortune with my body. It hasn't broken down."