Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas recently shared a hidden health battle she has been facing for years, shedding light on her struggles with bladder leaks. The renowned ballroom dancer, who hails from Merseyside, opened up about her personal challenges and how she is now using her platform to raise awareness about pelvic floor exercises.
In a candid interview during a break from filming the popular BBC dance show, Shirley revealed that she has become the ambassador for a campaign promoting pelvic floor exercises and encouraging women to seek help for leaks. She emphasized the importance of breaking the taboo around this issue and shared her own experiences with bladder leaks after giving birth to her son and during menopause.
At 64 years old, Shirley recounted the difficulties she faced after giving birth to her son Mark and how she had to quickly return to dancing without much support. She highlighted the lack of assistance during such a vulnerable time in her life and the impact it had on her physical and emotional well-being. Shirley expressed her desire to engage in open discussions about bladder leaks and help others going through similar challenges.
Reflecting on her journey as a mother and a dance champion, Shirley reminisced about the early days of motherhood and the pressures she faced to bounce back into her career. She shared how her experiences during menopause further compounded her struggles, leading her to keep these issues private for a long time. However, Shirley’s mother’s wise words about helping others inspired her to step into the spotlight and advocate for greater awareness and support.
Despite her prominent role as a head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Shirley also plays a supportive and nurturing role behind the scenes. She mentioned how she now feels more attuned to the dynamics backstage, offering emotional support to those in need. Her commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the show reflects her dedication to uplifting others, both on and off the dance floor.
As Shirley continues to share her journey and raise awareness about women’s health issues, she stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. Through her openness and advocacy, she empowers others to speak up about their own challenges and seek the help they need. Shirley Ballas’s story serves as a reminder that vulnerability is a sign of courage, and addressing health issues openly can lead to positive change and support for all.