Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has revealed she experienced a terrifying medical emergency just minutes before Saturday's live show from Blackpool, leaving her unable to breathe.
A Terrifying Pre-Show Ordeal
The 63-year-old judge was preparing for the milestone broadcast at the iconic Blackpool Tower when she began choking on a fishbone. In a harrowing account shared with fans, Shirley described how the bone became lodged in her throat, leaving her struggling for air for approximately 20 minutes.
"I choked on a fishbone. It got lodged in my throat and I couldn't breathe, so it was terrifying," the dancer recalled. The situation became so serious that she genuinely feared she "almost didn't make it" to the live broadcast.
Last-Minute Rescue
Fortunately, her hairstylist Jane, who has worked with Shirley for nine years, came to the rescue. With no medical professionals immediately available, Jane was forced to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre to dislodge the obstruction.
Shirley expressed her immense gratitude, stating that without Jane's quick thinking, the show would have been "a judge down." She shared a video on Instagram emphasising how crucial her stylist's intervention had been during the critical moments before the live television event.
Aftermath and New Resolution
Following the frightening incident, Shirley reported feeling "a bit hoarse" but otherwise confirmed that "all is good." The experience has prompted her to take an important step for future emergencies.
The judge has now vowed to learn the Heimlich manoeuvre herself, stating: "I'm going to study now in case I ever come across anybody who needs my help." This life-saving technique involves abdominal thrusts designed to dislodge objects blocking someone's airways.
This health scare comes after Shirley has faced other medical concerns recently, including a cancer scare earlier this year when she discovered lumpy tissue in her left breast. After undergoing three biopsies and a mammogram, she received the all-clear but admitted the experience had left her feeling emotionally drained and concerned she had "worked myself to death."
