Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about her challenging day following her recent split from her partner, as reported by Wales Online.
The 64-year-old lead of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel recently ended her relationship with her partner, Danny Taylor, three years after they got engaged. Shirley took to her Instagram Stories to share a screenshot of a FaceTime conversation with her friend Alan Grundy, expressing her appreciation for his support during a tough time. The image showed Alan smiling in his car while Shirley appeared to be speaking with him from a bed.
Shirley and Danny’s engagement in 2021 came to an end about six months ago, although they continued their relationship despite calling off their engagement. The couple first met in 2018 during a pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk and quickly formed a strong connection. Danny, a trained ballroom dancer known for his roles in popular TV dramas such as Brookside and The Bill, reportedly did not match Shirley’s pace in the relationship.
A source revealed details of the separation to The Sun, mentioning that Shirley realised the relationship was not progressing despite her efforts to support Danny’s work in theatre and pantomime. The geographical distance between them, with Shirley living in London and Danny based in Liverpool, also played a role in their decision to part ways. However, the source emphasized Shirley’s resilience and predicted a bright future for her in 2025.
In previous interviews, Shirley had shared insights into her relationship with Danny, noting that they started as friends during the panto before feelings developed. She recalled expressing her love for Danny in February, to which he responded positively after some time.
The news of Shirley’s split comes after a series of personal challenges for the Strictly Come Dancing star, adding a poignant note to her professional successes on the show. As fans rally around Shirley with messages of support, she continues to navigate this new chapter in her life with grace and strength.
The public awaits further updates on Shirley’s journey as she moves forward from this difficult period and focuses on her career in dance and entertainment.