Shirley Ballas is a powerhouse: she’s the only woman in history to win the British Open to the World Professional Latin Championships with two different partners, reaching the final an incredible 17 times, and now the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shirley during my time on Strictly, and I’ve always been struck by how truly fascinating her story is so I’m so pleased to have her on the show this week…

Shirley’s journey began on a housing estate in Northern England, where she grew up with her single mother and older brother, learning resilience early. By seven, she was traveling hours by bus and train to pursue her passion, supported by her hardworking mother, who remains her greatest inspiration. Along the way, Shirley has faced heartbreak, losing her brother to suicide—a tragedy that fuels her advocacy for mental health charities like CALM. She’s also navigated the complexities of love, with engagements as young as 15 and two marriages that taught her as much about herself as they did about relationships. She also opens up for the first time publicly about her relationship with her father, who she recently lost.

This conversation explores Shirley’s rollercoaster life, her resilience, and her unyielding passion for dance. Behind the glamour lies a woman who’s faced intense scrutiny, reminding us of the importance of truly listening to the stories behind the spotlight.

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And don't miss the Strictly Christmas Special on BBC One on Christmas day!

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THE CREDITS

Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer

Video: Jake Ji

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

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SHIRLEY BALLAS: THE STRICTLY CURSE COULD HAPPEN ANYWHERE

Great Company with Jamie Laing