Shirley Ballas

Who is Shirley Ballas?

Shirley Annette Ballas, born on September 6, 1960, in Wallasey, England, is a renowned English dancer and television personality, specializing in the International Latin dance division. She earned the title “Queen of Latin” after winning several championship titles. Ballas gained widespread recognition as the head judge on the BBC One dance show Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. Besides her dance career, she has been involved in various charitable activities and also appeared in TV shows like The Masked Singer UK in 2024.

Early Life and Education

Shirley Ballas was born on September 6, 1960, in Wallasey, a seaside town in Merseyside, England. She is the daughter of Audrey and an absent father, who left the family when she was just two years old. Growing up in a working-class environment, Ballas was introduced to dance at an early age. She took an interest in ballet before transitioning to ballroom dancing, which later became her passion and career.

Shirley attended local schools in Wallasey and was encouraged to pursue dance by her mother, who recognized her natural talent. Despite limited resources, her mother supported her dreams, and Shirley trained rigorously in dance from a young age. Her education was centered on dancing, but she also excelled in physical fitness, which would later become a hallmark of her career. Ballas did not attend formal higher education; instead, she devoted herself to dancing and started competing in international ballroom dance competitions as a teenager.

Personal Life

Shirley’s personal life has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. At the age of 20, she married her first husband, Sammy Stopford, in 1980. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce just a few years later in 1984. Despite this early setback, Shirley continued to focus on her career.

In 1985, she married American dancer Corky Ballas, with whom she had a successful partnership both on and off the dance floor. The couple competed in professional dance competitions and achieved great success in Latin dance. They had one son, Mark Ballas, born in 1986, who later became a well-known dancer and choreographer, making appearances on Dancing with the Stars. However, Shirley and Corky’s marriage ended in 2007 after more than 20 years together.

Shirley’s love for dance and her professional ambitions have always been a central part of her life. Her relationship with her son, Mark, remains strong, and she is deeply involved in his life and career. She also shares a close bond with her mother, Audrey, who continues to support her endeavors.

Shirley has had a few public relationships following her divorce from Corky, but she has generally kept her personal life private. Despite facing personal hardships, she remains a resilient figure, dedicated to her craft and family. In recent years, Shirley has opened up more about her journey, offering insights into her struggles with body image, mental health, and the demands of her career.

Family

Family has always played an important role in Shirley’s life, both personally and professionally. She was raised by her mother, Audrey, who worked hard to support her ambitions in dance. Although her father was absent, Shirley’s relationship with her mother has been a steady source of support throughout her life. Shirley has spoken fondly of her mother in interviews, noting how important she was in encouraging her to pursue her dreams in dance.

Shirley’s son, Mark Ballas, is perhaps the most significant person in her life outside of dance. Mark followed in his mother’s footsteps, becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. He is best known for his appearances on Dancing with the Stars, where he achieved great success as both a dancer and a choreographer. The mother-son duo shares a special bond, with Shirley often praising Mark’s talent and work ethic. Despite their busy careers, they manage to support each other, and Shirley is frequently seen cheering for her son in his endeavors.

In addition to her immediate family, Shirley maintains close ties with her extended family and friends. Throughout her career, she has often emphasized the importance of family in her life, particularly in dealing with the pressures of the entertainment industry.

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Career

Shirley Ballas’s career in dance began at the age of seven, when she started training in ballet and quickly transitioned to ballroom dancing. Her raw talent and passion for Latin dance became apparent early on, and she soon competed in major dance competitions. By the time she was in her teens, she had already gained recognition as a rising star in the competitive dance scene.

At the age of 18, Shirley began competing internationally and quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the ballroom dance world. She went on to win numerous prestigious titles, including the International Latin American Dance Championship, which solidified her reputation as one of the world’s top dancers. Her commitment to excellence and her precision on the dance floor made her a sought-after competitor and a respected figure in the ballroom community.

Throughout her career, Shirley competed in various championships across the globe and worked with some of the most talented dancers in the world. Her partnership with Corky Ballas, whom she married in 1985, became a defining aspect of her career. Together, they won multiple major Latin dance titles and achieved international fame. Their success as a dance couple earned Shirley a reputation as the “Queen of Latin Dance.”

In addition to her competitive career, Shirley has spent decades as a dance teacher and coach. She has helped train and mentor many dancers who have gone on to achieve success in their own right. Her teaching methods focus on discipline, passion, and a strong technical foundation, all of which she believes are crucial to succeeding in the highly competitive world of dance.

Shirley’s career took a new turn in 2017 when she became a judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Her role as head judge on the show brought her widespread recognition and a new level of fame. As a judge, Shirley is known for her honest, constructive feedback and her ability to inspire both the contestants and the audience. Her expertise and experience as a world-class dancer make her a valued member of the panel, and she has become a fan favorite due to her warm yet firm approach to judging.

In addition to Strictly Come Dancing, Shirley has appeared on numerous other television programs, including The Masked Singer UK, where she was revealed as “Rat” in 2024. Her appearances on these shows have allowed her to expand her reach beyond the world of dance and solidify her status as a prominent television personality.

Outside of television, Shirley is also involved in various charitable endeavors. She has worked with several organizations dedicated to supporting dancers, as well as causes related to mental health and physical fitness. Shirley’s openness about her own struggles with body image and mental health has made her a powerful advocate for mental wellness within the entertainment industry.

Shirley Ballas’s career is a testament to her dedication, talent, and resilience. From her early days as a competitive dancer to her current role as a judge and television personality, she has proven herself to be one of the most influential figures in the world of dance. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of dancers and entertainers alike.

Latest News on Shirley Ballas

As of January 28, 2025, Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has been involved in several notable events:

Feud on ‘Celebrity Bear Hunt’

Shirley Ballas has reportedly engaged in a public dispute with a co-star on the Netflix show Celebrity Bear Hunt. She described the individual as a “diva” and criticized their sense of entitlement. Ballas emphasized her punctuality and expressed frustration with colleagues who kept others waiting. The show, hosted by Bear Grylls and Holly Willoughby, features celebrities like Lottie Moss, Mel B, Danny Cipriani, and Boris Becker. An incident occurred during filming when interior designer Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen nearly died after getting tangled in a bungee cord during a challenge. Additionally, there were disagreements over perceived special treatment of host Holly, leading to off-camera tensions.

Salary Details Revealed

It has been revealed that Shirley Ballas earns a significantly higher salary than her predecessor, Len Goodman, for her role as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. Ballas, 64, took over in 2017 and currently earns around £500,000 per series, compared to Len’s £120,000. Other judges on the show earn less, with Craig Revel Horwood making approximately £200,000, Anton Du Beke between £175,000 and £200,000, and Motsi Mabuse starting at £200,000. Despite her high earnings, Shirley has faced criticism and accusations of favoritism from fans, leading to social media backlash and petitions against her. However, she remains committed to the show and intends to continue as head judge.

Stalking Incident

Shirley Ballas has been dealing with a six-year stalking ordeal that caused her serious distress and alarm. Kyle Shaw, 37, was accused of stalking Ballas by sending her distressing online messages from 2017 to 2023. He appeared in court facing stalking and cannabis possession charges. Prosecutor Angela Conlan noted Shaw’s “persistent actions” had significantly impacted Ballas’s life. Shaw did not enter a plea and was bailed with conditions preventing him from contacting Ballas or entering London. Previously, Ballas reported a man taking photos of her home and car, leading to police action, but it is unclear if this was related to Shaw. Ballas has taken measures to ensure her safety, reflecting on increased vigilance and personal security.

These events highlight the ongoing challenges and developments in Shirley Ballas’s personal and professional life.

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Height and Physical Appearance

Shirley Ballas stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). She has a graceful and poised demeanor, reflecting her long career in dance. Known for her vibrant personality, she often sports a confident and polished look both on and off screen. Her appearance has always been a testament to her disciplined lifestyle and dedication to maintaining fitness.

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Shirley Ballas has an estimated net worth of approximately £1.5 million. This wealth primarily stems from her illustrious career in competitive ballroom dancing, as well as her prominent role as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. Additionally, her appearances on various TV shows and her dance coaching contribute significantly to her financial success.

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