Shirley Ballas, the esteemed head judge on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, is stepping into a wildly different arena as she faces Bear Grylls in the jungle. The celebrated dancer is a contestant on Netflix's new series, Celebrity Bear Hunt, which pushes celebrities to their physical and mental limits.
From Ballroom to the Jungle: A New Challenge
Having joined the Strictly panel in 2017 as the replacement for Len Goodman, Ballas is now trading her scoring paddle for survival gear. The show, which pits her against other famous faces, marks one of her most demanding ventures yet. This comes after a lifetime of accolades in the competitive dance world, where she established herself as one of the globe's most decorated professionals.
Shirley Ballas: Personal Life and Family
Born on 6 September 1960, Shirley Ballas turned 65 years old in 2025. She hails from Wallasey, Cheshire, where she was raised by her mother after her father left when she was two. Standing at 5ft 3in (1.59m), she now resides in London after selling her Los Angeles property.
Her romantic life has been as dynamic as her career. She was first married to ballroom dancer Sammy Stopford in 1980, a union that lasted four years. In 1985, she married dancer Corky Ballas, with whom she shared 22 years and a son, Mark Ballas.
Mark is a professional dancer on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and made Shirley a grandmother in November 2023 with the birth of his son, Banksi.
Currently, Shirley is in a relationship with actor Danny Taylor. The couple got engaged in 2021 after meeting in 2018, but Shirley called off the engagement in early 2024. She has publicly stated she will not marry again, telling Alan Carr's podcast, "Two marriages, an engagement, two long-term relationships later and I will not be getting married again."
A Staggering Dance Career and Legacy
Shirley Ballas's achievements in ballroom and Latin dance are legendary. By the age of 21, she had won nearly every major competition she entered, breaking records and earning countless titles. Her expertise has made her a sought-after choreographer, teacher, and judge worldwide.
Beyond dance, she has explored roles as an author and charity ambassador, showcasing her versatility and commitment to giving back. Her journey from a champion dancer to the head judge of the UK's most beloved dance show is a testament to her enduring passion and skill.
