The 57-year-old dance champion replaced hugely-popular Len Goodman, 73, as head judge on this year’s race for the Glitterball trophy, and has fought intense criticism from fans from day one. 

In an interview with Radio Times magazine, Shirley has now revealed that she may have already signed on for the next cycle, but BBC bosses are keeping details strictly under wraps. 

“If I did [reveal it], it would be, ‘Shirley, keep your mouth shut,” she teased. 

The star also confessed that she’s had to tone down her use of technical jargon in her comments to the celebrity dancers on the show, for fear of alienating viewers.

“I just want the people in the audience to go, ‘Oh, there’s a chassé,’” she said. “Or, ‘Oh, no! She’s got no rotation in her hip.’ I want them to actually spot it, too.”

Saturday’s Musical-themed extravaganza saw the Queen of Latin awkwardly snubbed by her co-judge Darcey Bussell, 48, when the brunette attempted to hold her hand in a show of friendship in the show's opening moments.

But despite reports of an ongoing feud plaguing the pair, Shirley only gushed about the former-ballerina.

“She’s like Snow White, she’s so beautiful,” Shirley cooed. “Our backgrounds are worlds apart. I come from a housing estate, the underprivileged if you like, and she comes from privilege.”

The star went on to explain why she and Darcey make a good fit on the tight-knit panel, as she assured: "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 her a squeeze.”

Read the full interview in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, out now. 

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One.