Home and Away’s Kyle Shilling Reveals Co-Star’s Dance Advice and Truth Behind Judges’ Criticism

Home and Away star Kyle Shilling has opened up about his journey on the dance floor and how support from a familiar face on set helped him navigate the pressures of competition. Shilling, who recently participated in a celebrity dance contest, shared insights into the behind-the-scenes reality of rehearsals, judges’ comments, and how a close co-star’s advice helped boost his confidence.

Shilling, best known for playing Mali Hudson in the popular Aussie soap, admitted that stepping into the world of dance was far outside his comfort zone. “It’s a whole different world from acting,” he said. “There’s no second take on the dance floor. Everything has to be live, precise, and full of energy.”

Despite the pressure, Shilling said he found unexpected guidance from fellow Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou, who had previously competed in a similar dance show. “Ada pulled me aside and said, ‘Don’t let the judges get in your head. They’re there to create drama, not always to encourage.’ That really stuck with me,” he explained. “She told me to focus on enjoying the process and trust the work I’d put in during rehearsals.”

The young actor also opened up about the emotional toll of facing harsh feedback from the judges, which at times felt more like scripted TV than honest critique. “I know entertainment plays a role, and sometimes the judges’ comments aren’t just about your technique but about building a storyline. That was a bit hard to accept at first,” he shared. “But once I realized it’s part of the show’s rhythm, I could laugh it off a bit more.”

Shilling emphasized the importance of mental strength in the competition, saying that his experience as an actor helped him stay focused and resilient. “Acting teaches you how to bounce back quickly, how to take criticism and grow from it. That mindset really helped me in this competition.”

Though his time on the dance floor may be over, Kyle says he’s walking away with a stronger sense of self and a deeper respect for dancers. “It challenged me in ways I never expected. I’ve got sore muscles in places I didn’t know existed,” he joked, “but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”

As for what’s next, Shilling is excited to return to Home and Away, bringing with him new confidence—and maybe a few dance moves.

Home and Away star Kyle Shilling has opened up about his journey on the dance floor and how support from a familiar face on set helped him navigate the pressures of competition. Shilling, who recently participated in a celebrity dance contest, shared insights into the behind-the-scenes reality of rehearsals, judges’ comments, and how a close…