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Strictly Come Dancing has introduced a major new twist, partly to reportedly 'ease the pressure on head judge Shirley Ballas', who has faced years of relentless trolling over her dance-off decisions.
Since joining the panel in 2017, Shirley, 65, has carried the burden of the deciding vote whenever the judges were split on which couple to save.
But that responsibility has now been lifted, with the power instead rotating each week between her fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood.
Speaking about the new set-up, Shirley said on Saturday night: 'For seven years, I have been responsible for one gruelling decision. But that's about to change.'
Co-host Tess Daly explained that viewers will now choose which judge gets the casting vote each week.
While there were multiple factors that were reportedly behind bosses' decision to make the change, including adding more drama to the results show, it did come amid claims that Shirley had asked for support in handling the relentless online abuse she has faced over her past decisions.
A source told The Mirror: 'A happy by-product of the change will mean that Shirley is subject to less vitriol.
'The fundamental reason behind the switch-up in the rules is to make the show more exciting but it's fair to say that any move that lessens one judge unfairly facing abuse all the time is welcome too. Especially one as loved as Shirley.'
Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
In previous years the ballroom star - who joined the panel in 2017 after previous head judge Len Goodman stepped down from the role - has been subjected to cruel remarks online, with some trolls even sending her death threats.
The vile comments left her struggling with her mental health so much that she once considered quitting the show altogether.
Speaking in an interview with The Times two years ago, the star opened up about the sorts of cruel messages she received, with some users even accusing her of being racist.
She explained it was comments like 'Just, how ugly you are and how fat you are, and how you've got horrible arms, and, ''You don't like men. You don't like women. You don't like black men. You don't like black women''.'
Shirley revealed that the racist accusations especially were the hardest to deal with and although she might seem tough on the TV it's just a front she puts on.
'That's a front. Something I've learnt from my mother. ''Don't whine. Get on with it''.'
It was reported that same year that after a stand-off with Strictly bosses Shirley was offered a pay rise of £55,000 after she 'had conversations' about leaving the ballroom.
Shirley has previously revealed she was forced to seek counselling after the abuse she received.
She opened up on how she got through the abuse, and admitted she 'wouldn't want it for anyone'.
Speaking to OK! magazine, she explained: 'I've had down and dark days throughout my whole life but I've always had music and I've always had dancing. And of course I've got my mother and we're glued at the hip.
'What it [the trolling] did to me on the last series, I wouldn't want that for anyone.'
The star has been undergoing counselling for over two decades.
Explaining her attitude towards it, she said: 'I'm not embarrassed to say that now, although I was in the past as I thought people might think I was weak.
'But you know what? Sometimes counselling is just about having someone there to listen. So there's nothing wrong with reaching out for help.'
The Daily Mail has contacted Shirley's representatives for comment.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: 'I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.'
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: 'My hips don't lie.'
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: 'I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.'
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: 'Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.'
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: 'Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!'
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up... but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified.'
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: 'I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.'
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: 'Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.'
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: 'Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.'
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: 'It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream'.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: 'This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class'.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: 'Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.'
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: 'I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!'
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: 'I'm so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year's Strictly Come Dancing.'
Amber Davies
Age: 28
Profession: West End star
She says: 'This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.'