Shirley Ballas, the beloved *Strictly Come Dancing* judge, has spoken candidly about her tense encounter with Mel B during the filming of Netflix’s *Celebrity Bear Hunt*. 

In a recent interview, Shirley, 64, shared her frustrations with Mel, 49, regarding their interactions on the show, 

specifically when the pop star’s provocative behavior started to push her buttons. 

The two stars were among a group of 12 celebrities who participated in the grueling challenges of the new Netflix series, 

which saw them living together in close quarters while facing physical and mental obstacles. 

However, it was the behind-the-scenes dynamics and personalities that brought tensions to a head, particularly between Shirley and Mel.

As the challenges progressed, Shirley found herself becoming increasingly frustrated with Mel’s tendency to make provocative comments, only to later claim she was “just joking.” This playful yet, at times, irritating behavior began to wear on the *Strictly* star, leading to a particularly heated exchange between the two during the fourth episode of the series. 

In the *Walk The Plank* challenge, Shirley’s team emerged victorious over Mel’s. After returning to camp, confusion over the rules of the game led to an argument between the two women. Mel casually remarked, “We all have to go in the pit sometimes,” to which Shirley sharply responded, “Excuse me?” The disagreement quickly escalated, with Shirley calling out Mel’s behavior, saying, “What’s the matter with you?”

As tensions rose, Mel defended her comments, saying, “I’m just talking to you,” but Shirley wasn’t having it. “Well, you don’t really talk, do you? You direct, you’re in somebody’s face,” she retorted. Mel, undeterred, shot back, “I know because I’m just who I am,” but Shirley countered, “You’re not exactly the most deliverable of messages, Mel.” 

The exchange ended with Mel getting the last word, saying, “Neither are you.”

Shirley later reflected on the clash, explaining that she didn’t appreciate people who intentionally “push buttons” for a reaction. She made it clear that she expected “mutual respect” in their interactions. In an interview with *WhatToWatch*, Shirley admitted, “I can let somebody be a diva for so long until I feel someone else is being picked on. I’ve dealt with divas in my industry all my life. There’s nothing that could shock me.”

Shirley’s comments reflect her experience in the entertainment industry, where she’s had to navigate difficult personalities and temperamental egos. However, she made it clear that while she could tolerate a bit of diva behavior, there’s a limit. “If someone keeps pushing buttons just to get a reaction, I don’t like that. I think it’s completely unnecessary—though I know it makes great TV!”

She also emphasized the importance of focusing on the tasks at hand and not wasting time complaining. Shirley remarked, “If you watch the show, you’ll never find me whining. No matter what I was feeling, I kept it inside and I got on with the job that I signed up for. I think if you sign up for it, shut up and get on with it. Unfortunately, not everybody felt the same way!”

Reflecting on the living situation in the camp, where they were forced to spend constant time together without the ability to retreat to their own space, Shirley noted that mutual respect was key. “But when you’re living together and can’t retreat to your own home, all you ask for is mutual respect,” she said. 

Mel B, for her part, had previously expressed that her time with the Spice Girls had prepared her for the dynamics of living in close quarters with a group. “I’ve been with four other Spice Girls for longer than I can remember! We all have different roles,” Mel said, reflecting on the teamwork and adaptability required during her pop group days.

While tensions flared between Shirley and Mel, the reality of sharing an intense experience like *Celebrity Bear Hunt* was bound to bring out moments of conflict. However, Shirley’s straightforward attitude towards the situation highlights her resilience and commitment to getting through the challenges without complaint. As the show continues to air, viewers are sure to witness more of the personalities and conflicts that come with such a unique experience, but for Shirley, it’s all about maintaining respect and moving forward with the task at hand.

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