Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas shares reason she wears whistle around her neck

Strictly's Shirley Ballas (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas has revealed she refuses to step outside without a whistle hanging from her neck – even during casual dog walks in the park – following nearly seven years of relentless stalking ordeal.

During a frank discussion on yesterday's release of the Question the Default podcast, the 65 year old confided in presenter Harry Corin about the enduring anxiety she continues to battle after suffering through a sustained harassment campaign that terrorised both her and her loved ones.

"I don't think I ever go outside the door without thinking, how will I protect myself?" Shirley confessed, revealing how her 88 year old mother has become instrumental in ensuring her safety measures.

"My mother still sometimes thi