Shirley Ballas Fuels Strictly Come Dancing Exit Rumours With US Move
Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has ignited intense speculation about her potential departure from the BBC's flagship dance competition. The rumours emerged after she confirmed her new role as a judge on the American version, Dancing With The Stars, where she will work alongside her son, professional dancer Mark Ballas.
Revealing Motherhood Regrets and Family Priorities
In an exclusive interview, the 65-year-old dance icon opened up about her personal regrets, particularly regarding her relationship with her son during his childhood. "I want to be a much better grandmother than I was a mother, as I was pursuing my career," Shirley confessed. "I wish I could go back now. I do regret it - I wish back then I spent more time."
Shirley explained that when Mark was born, she was only 25 and deeply focused on establishing her career in the competitive dance industry. This led to Mark being largely raised by his grandmother, Audrey Rich, who Shirley credits with instilling his gentle nature. "She dedicated her life to him," Shirley said of Audrey. "That is where he gets his soft nature from."
The Transatlantic Family Dynamic
The family's story involves remarkable international connections. Shirley revealed that Mark would travel alone on British Airways flights from Heathrow to Japan as early as age five to visit her during competitions. "He could communicate with everybody. He loves people," she recalled with evident pride.
Despite Shirley's regrets, Mark appears to harbour no resentment about his unconventional upbringing. "I have told him I don't think I was there for him," Shirley shared. "He said, 'I had a ball with my nan'." She described the emotional difficulty of those years, keeping his teddy bear in her suitcase while travelling for work.
Admiration for the Next Generation
Shirley expressed particular admiration for her daughter-in-law, singer-songwriter BC Jean, who is best known for co-writing Beyoncé's hit If I Were A Boy. BC Jean is currently pregnant with the couple's second child, adding to their two-year-old son Banksi Wylde Ballas.
"I did not have those skills that my daughter-in-law has," Shirley acknowledged, contrasting her own experience of motherhood without modern resources. "Back in the day there was no Google or social media, so having a baby then like I did with my son Mark I did not have a manual."
The musical household has both children constantly exposed to creativity, with Shirley noting: "All the time the baby is in there they are singing to it. Maybe they will be a rock star."
Professional Legacy and Future Projects
Shirley Ballas, dubbed the 'Queen of Latin,' holds the unique distinction of being the only person to win both the British Open and World Latin American Championships with two different partners. She joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 as head judge, replacing Len Goodman.
Looking ahead, Shirley revealed exciting developments beyond her television judging roles. A Broadway show based on her life is currently in development, with the project reportedly at step four or five of the ten-step process to reach Broadway. "I want Zendaya to play me," Shirley disclosed about her casting preference. "She is a fabulous actress and I don't know if my project will be big enough for her."
Shirley has also authored several books, including the crime novel Dance to the Death, demonstrating her diverse creative talents beyond the dance floor.
The Strictly Come Dancing Context
The timing of Shirley's revelations coincides with significant changes in her professional commitments. Her decision to join Dancing With The Stars in the United States, where her son Mark has been a professional dancer for years, represents a major career shift that naturally fuels speculation about her future with the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
While no official announcement has been made regarding her Strictly status, the combination of her US judging role, her expressed desire to be closer to family, and her candid reflections on work-life balance have created compelling circumstances that suggest her priorities may be shifting toward transatlantic opportunities and family connections.
