Strictly star Shirley Ballas has told how she is gearing up to make “drastic changes” as she battles a secret health struggle.
The BBC head judge, 64, and dance teacher has problems with her spine, and doctors have warned she may have to undergo surgery next year.
She is now focusing on cutting out sugar, drinking ginger and lemon, and taking cold dips in the pool to help ease the pain.
Strictly star Shirley has opened up about her health (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Strictly judge Shirley Ballas on her health
Shirley told HELLO!’s Changemakers Podcast: “When it’s to do with the spine, you’re in constant pain all the time. It’s like a nagging toothache that never goes away. So, I think I have to slow down.
“All the doctors told me that I need to learn to teach from a chair. I’ve never done that in my life. I’m an up-and-going kind of person. So, I will be forced possibly, in some certain way, to change some lifestyle habits in 2025 for sure.”
In the last few months, she has vowed that 2025 “is my time” and will be making “quite dramatic changes”.
The 64-year-old lives with her 87-year-old mum Audrey Rich, while her professional ballroom dancer son Mark, 38, and grandson Banksi Wylde reside in Los Angeles.
Shirley and Audrey live together (Credit: Splash News)
“My son’s going to turn 39 next year, and we’ve been blessed with this little fella [her grandson]. And I want to be part of everything he’s doing. I work a full-time job and Strictly is like a Saturday job for me – a wonderful Saturday job! I’m always working, so I am pulled in every direction,” she added.
Shirley and her son Mark (Credit: Cover Images)
Shirley’s Strictly journey
Shirley won several championship titles, and she went on to earn the nickname the Queen of Latin.
Her retirement from competitive dancing came in 1996.
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.
Shirley joined the Strcitly judging panel in 2017, as she replaced the late head judge Len Goodman, who died in 2023.
She has once again sat behind the sparkling desk alongside her fellow judges – Craig Revel Horwood, 59, Motsi Mabuse, 43, and Anton Du Beke, 58 – as they deliver their expert advice to the class of 2024.
News
Loose Women fans predict they ‘won’t see’ Stacey Solomon on the panel with Denise Welch again
Stacey Solomon made her Loose Women return last month, much to the joy of her fellow panellists. However, one member of the panel likely wasn’t so pleased to be met with Stacey’s disagreement. In fact, ITV viewers even flocked to…
Shirley Ballas reveals she grew a ‘beard’ due to being given wrong dose of hormones
Shirley Ballas has never shied away from sharing her journey with menopause and this story is no different. The Strictly judge often discusses her experience with hormone replacement therapy and how it has benefited her health. However, it hasn’t always been highs…
Joe Swash gives Stacey Solomon ultimatum as she gives Pickle Cottage a drastic makeover
Presenter Stacey Solomon has brought the Halloween spirit to Pickle Cottage a bit early this year – and husband Joe Swash is less than impressed. Her home has seen a dramatic transformation with an array of spooky decorations, from skeletons and witches’…
Cardi B celebrates her 32nd birthday in a ‘revealing outfit’ at a bar after splitting with Offset: ‘I don’t need another man!’
Cardi B, the dynamic and multifaceted rapper known for her bold personality and unapologetic style, recently celebrated her 32nd birthday in a way that perfectly showcased her fierce spirit and resilience. Donning a strikingly minimalistic mini dress that left little…
Tarek El Moussa ‘admits’ that he was ‘frozen’ after learning he would be co-starring with his ex-girlfriend Christina Hall on a show: ‘I promised myself I’d never see her again!’
Tarek El Moussa, the popular television personality and real estate expert, recently opened up about his surprising journey with his ex-wife, Christina Hall, and the unexpected success of their collaborative show. El Moussa, known for his role in the hit series “Flip…
SHOCKING: Bachelorette star Jason Tartick has caused an uproar online by unexpectedly announcing his breakup with Kat Stickler and relentlessly criticizing her as a “slut.” What’s the real story behind this?
Jason Tartick, a well-known figure from “The Bachelorette,” and social media influencer Kat Stickler recently announced their decision to part ways, describing their breakup as “amicable.” This news has drawn attention not just because of their public profiles but also…
End of content
No more pages to load