Strictly returns to our screens this weekend as a brand new batch of celebs taking to the ballroom floor to show off their dancing skills (or lack thereof, in some cases). Among this year’s contestants are Bobby Brazier, Eddie Kadi and Zara McDermott.
A new series of Strictly means the return of the judges, with Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke all sitting on the panel alongside head judge Shirley Ballas.
Shirley’s becoming part of the Strictly woodwork since replacing Len Goodman as head judge six years ago and we love having her on our screens every Saturday night. With Strictly about to return, let’s take a look at everything there is to know about Shirley…
Who is Shirley Ballas?
Shirley is best known for being the head judge on Strictly, but she enjoyed a long and successful dance career of her own before that. Dubbed the Queen of Latin, she won several championship titles in the International Latin division.
How old is Shirley Ballas?
She’s currently 63 years old and was born on 6 September 1960.
Where is Shirley Ballas from?
She was born and raised in Cheshire, although she moved to North Yorkshire at the age of 15 to partner British Ballroom Champion Nigel Tiffany. She later moved to London and then relocated to Texas in the US after marrying her second husband Corky. These days, she lives in Dulwich in south east London.
When did Shirley Ballas join Strictly?
Shirley joined Strictly in 2017, replacing Len Goodman as the head judge after 14 series.
Who is Shirley Ballas’ partner?
Shirley started dating her partner Danny Taylor is 2018. They met while starring in a Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime and have been together ever since. Danny is a theatre actor and has also had TV roles in The Bill and Brookside.
The couple were once engaged, but Shirley later revealed she’d changed her mind about getting married. She told MailOnline, “I've changed my mind. I just feel that at this particular point in my life, my mother and I have got this great relationship and we want to do some travelling and there is different things we want to do.”
Last month, Shirley denied rumours she’d ended their long-distance relationship. “Danny, we're still together after four and a half years. That's miraculous. He has a very busy schedule and I have a very busy schedule,” she explained to The Sun.
“He's in the north and I'm in the south, but somehow we do try to make it work, so that's good. What I like most about Danny is he has a heart of gold and he puts up with my lifestyle. I am like the Tazmanian devil and I'm all over the place.”
Shirley’s been married twice, first tying the knot with dance partner Sammy Stopford when she was just 18 years old. Their relationship ended five years later and Shirley went on to marry her second husband Corky Ballas in 1985, before divorcing in 2007.
Who is Shirley Ballas’ son?
Shirley has a son called Mark Ballas from her relationship with Corky. Mark, who was born in 1986, went on to become a professional dancer just like his parents. Mark appeared on Dancing With The Stars – the US equivalent of Strictly – between 2007 and 2017, before returning last year and winning the show with TikTok star Charli D’Amelio.
Does Shirley Ballas have Instagram?
You can find Shirley on Instagram at @shirleyballas.