Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has declared she is officially open to love again, more than a year after her split from boyfriend Danny Taylor. The 65-year-old dance expert admitted she has enjoyed "a date or two" but is keeping things casual for now.
Back on the Dating Scene
Shirley Ballas confirmed her relationship with actor Danny Taylor ended in late 2024, six months after they called off their wedding. Following the breakup, she focused on caring for her 88-year-old mother, Audrey, who is in remission from cancer and lives with COPD. Now, Shirley feels ready to socialise again.
"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." She described her ideal partner as someone with humour, intellect, and generosity, who is smart and well-kept. Any potential suitor will also need to navigate her incredibly busy schedule, which includes her judging role, teaching, charity work, and family commitments.
Strictly Live Tour and Backstage Antics
However, romance will have to take a back seat for the next few weeks as Shirley embarks on the 30-date Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour, visiting packed venues holding over 10,000 people across the country. She will be joined by celebrities and professionals from the last series, with a potential new winner crowned each night.
She expressed her love for meeting the fans, many of whom queue for hours. "I feel I should give as much time as I can to those people who come to see us," she said.
On tour, she looks forward to the company of fellow judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, who she says "spoil" her. She revealed Anton's mischievous side, recalling how he once stole her large Marks & Spencer underwear and displayed it to an audience of 10,000. Backstage, some cast members play an elaborate, weeks-long version of The Traitors, masterminded by professional dancer Neil Jones.
Addressing Strictly's Challenges and Future
Shirley also addressed several controversies surrounding the flagship BBC show. When asked if recent scandals—including the departures of professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, and separate police investigations—had tainted Strictly, she was defiant.
"I don't think anything taints the show," she asserted. "We're still thriving. We've still got a 54 per cent share of the TV audience." She stated she only comments on what she personally witnesses, adding her message to viewers is: "If you think the show is icky, switch it off. If you enjoy it, continue to watch."
She also spoke about the public's perceived bias against contestants with prior dance experience, referencing the early exit of actor and talented dancer Lewis Cope. Shirley pointed out there is no rule in Strictly that forbids dance experience, a sentiment fuelled by seeing her son, Mark Ballas, face similar issues on the US version, Dancing With The Stars.
On the subject of who might replace hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Shirley revealed her mother Audrey is championing Rylan Clark and Judge Rinder. Shirley herself praised fellow judge Anton Du Beke as a "mini Bruce Forsyth" but said she is happy to "sit in my lane" as a judge. She also suggested The Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr could be good in the 'Clauditorium'.
Despite a past six-year stalking ordeal, for which a man received a suspended sentence in April 2025, Shirley remains dedicated to her fans. As she sets off on tour with her driver and "mini-bodyguard" George, she sees it as a welcome break. "I don't have to do my own washing because my mother does it for me," she laughed. "It's a little bit of a holiday for me and a chance to meet and greet. I love every minute of it."
