Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas may need spinal surgery, as reported by Wales Online. The renowned dancing champion, aged 64, has disclosed that her back condition has worsened over the past year, potentially requiring surgical intervention. Despite her ongoing back pain, Shirley remains dedicated to her role on the hit BBC show ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ which is set to return this Saturday. She mentioned that she has consulted with three specialists and surgery might be inevitable. Shirley stated to OK! magazine, “It can wait until after ‘Strictly’ because I have a high tolerance for pain anyway… I’ve been living with it for many, many years, but it’s just deteriorated over the course of the last year.”
Shirley explained that she is thoroughly exploring treatment options for her back, seeking advice from experts both in the United States and the UK. She emphasised the support she is receiving from her family and friends during this challenging period. Despite the discomfort she experiences, Shirley assured ‘Strictly’ fans that she intends to stay in her judging role, while acknowledging the necessity of taking better care of herself as she continues to deal with her back issues. She jested, “You’d have to shovel me out of my chair… I’m going to sit in that chair for as long as they’ll have me.”
Acknowledging the demanding nature of her work, Shirley expressed her intention to reduce her hours and make adjustments to accommodate her health needs. She recognises the importance of self-care and understands the need to address her health proactively. Shirley’s determination to remain committed to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ whilst prioritising her well-being reflects her resilience and dedication to her craft. Fans of the show can anticipate seeing Shirley return as head judge, navigating her health challenges with grace and perseverance.