Emotional Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas was spotted being comforted by her colleague on tour as she is set to face her stalker in court.
The television personality, 64, will encounter Kyle Shaw, 37, who has been accused of sending messages to the dance pro between 2017 and 2023, in court on January 31.
His conduct was said to have left Shirley 'seriously alarmed and distressed' and unable to continue her usual day-to-day activities.
Shaw was charged with stalking as well as another charge of cannabis possession.
According to The Sun, the accused was bailed until the upcoming hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, with Judge Wendy Lloyd implementing conditions that Shaw was 'not to contact or approach Shirley Ballas or by any means including social media'.
Shirley Ballas was seen being embraced by colleague Nikita Kuzmin and was 'visibly emotional' according to a bystander
The new photos show Nikita supportively hugging the pro dancer also known as 'The Queen of Latin' in light of her six-year stalker ordeal
The television personality, 64, is due to face Kyle Shaw, who has been accused of sending messages to the dance pro between 2017 and 2023, in court on January 31
A bystander told The Mirror that the 64-year-old appeared 'visibly sad' and was on the brink of tears after the dance class with Nikita Kuzmin.
Fresh photos show, dancing pro Nikita hugging Shirley, who is also known as 'The Queen of Latin' as they dressed warm for the chilly winter air.
Nikita was also seen placing a supportive hand on Shirley's upper-arm following the caring embrace.
It comes months after Shirley phoned the police when an alleged stalker 'lunged at her and took photos of her house and car'. It isn't known if the incident was linked to Shaw.
Shirley previously revealed on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast that she was far more 'vigilant' after Gavin Plumb was convicted over his attempts to kidnap TV presenter Holly Willoughby.
The depraved 35-stone security guard was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 15 years.
Shirley told how she has changed how she is much more aware of her safety ever since Holly's ordeal was made public.
She said: 'I am a very vigilant person. When I go out, I'm careful not to go alone. If it's at night, I'm always a little bit nervous.
An onlooker said the dancer was on the brink of tears after the dance class
Shirley was said to be 'alarmed and distressed' and unable to go about usual daily life due to the ordeal
Shirley previously told how she has changed how she is much more aware of her safety ever since Holly's ordeal was made public
The depraved 35-stone security guard Gavin Plumb (pictured) was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 15 years.
'There's what you read on social media, (and then) particularly with Holly - her experiences.'
She added: 'So, yeah, I don't take anything lightly. There are many amazing people, but there are a few strange people out there. It's quite hard, and makes you always a little bit more precautious.'
She also thanked the BBC's 'fantastic' duty of care dubbing it as being 'one thousand percent'.
The dancer had a successful Latin dance career before joining the Strictly Come Dancing panel in 2017 as she replaced head judge Len Goodman.
