Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has declared herself open to love once more, admitting to having enjoyed 'a date or two' following the end of her relationship with actor Danny Taylor just over a year ago. The 65-year-old dance expert, who had prioritised caring for her 88-year-old mother Audrey, is now embracing new romantic possibilities, albeit cautiously.
A New Chapter: Love, Life, and Strictly Tour
Shirley Ballas is firmly back in the dating game, but insists she is keeping things light. "I know my truth. I know my authentic self, and if I want to go out on a date I will go," she stated. "Nothing serious. No labels, no tags." Her ideal partner would possess humour, intellect, and generosity—a welcome change for someone accustomed to picking up the bill. However, any serious romantic pursuits will have to wait, as she is about to embark on the mammoth Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour.
The tour, which kicks off on 23 January and runs until 15 February, will see Shirley and fellow judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood travel the country for 30 shows. They will be joined by celebrities and professionals from the latest series, performing for packed arenas of over 10,000 people each night. "I love being able to meet the crowds," Shirley said, emphasising her commitment to fans who queue for hours in the cold for a moment with her.
Family First and Backstage Banter
Despite her busy schedule, which includes teaching, adjudicating, and the tour, Shirley's primary focus remains her mother, Audrey. Audrey is in remission from cancer and also lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). "She's doing the best one can do for an 88-year-old with that disease," Shirley noted, explaining that a network of trusted friends and neighbours helps look after her mother while she is away.
Audrey has even offered her unsolicited advice on who should replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as Strictly hosts, should they ever step down. "My mother said, 'Can you not make it happen that Rylan is the main presenter and Judge Rinder is up in the Clauditorium?'" Shirley revealed with a laugh, promising to put in a good word.
On tour, Shirley enjoys the camaraderie with her fellow judges. She described Anton as a "mini Bruce Forsyth" who would "jump" at the chance to host the main show, though she would miss him by her side on the panel. Their backstage antics are legendary, including the time Anton stole her "big girl pants" from Marks & Spencer and brandished them in front of 10,000 people. Meanwhile, Craig is known for pushing comedic boundaries with risqué innuendo.
Addressing Strictly Controversies and Public Bias
The interview also touched on the recent scandals that have surrounded Strictly Come Dancing, including allegations of misconduct against professionals and a police investigation. Shirley remained defiant, stating, "I don't think anything taints the show. We're still thriving." She pointed to the show's continued strong audience share and added that her message to viewers was simple: "If you think the show is icky, switch it off. If you enjoy it, continue to watch."
She expressed stronger feelings about the public's perceived bias against contestants with prior dance experience, a fate that befell both actor Lewis Cope on Strictly and her own son, Mark Ballas, on the US version, Dancing With The Stars. "There's nowhere in our rules that says you can't have dance experience," she said, visibly exasperated. "I think the public have made this rule up somehow." She plans to give Lewis a "big snuggle-bunny cuddle" when the tour begins.
As she prepares to hit the road with her driver and 'mini-bodyguard', George, Shirley Ballas is embracing this period of her life with characteristic energy and discipline—maintaining a strict fitness regime of hotpod yoga and a mostly plant-based diet. With her heart open to new connections and her schedule packed with dance, she is proving that life after 65 is anything but quiet.
