Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has described her latest book as one of the best career decisions she has made. Appearing on James Martin's Saturday Morning, she discussed her new autobiography, Best Foot Forward, which she calls her most honest work yet.
Ballas explained that the book is an extension of her first autobiography, written in 2019, but this time she felt more confident to include deeply personal topics. She structured it in steps rather than chapters, with her mother providing advice at the start of each step, and 'Shirley Shimmers' – life lessons from her mother – at the end.
The judge revealed she writes about taking too much testosterone, experiencing hair growth, and navigating menopause and various illnesses. 'Because it's raw and it's honest,' she said of the book, adding that she wanted to address issues she felt she missed in her 2019 autobiography.
Ballas noted that readers often write to her with similar experiences, and she felt it was important to share her own journey. 'I think I should have written that in 2019,' she admitted.
The recent series of Strictly Come Dancing concluded with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell winning the Glitterball Trophy. The festive special also marked the final programme presented by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
