Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge, Shirley Ballas, has had a rollercoaster love life, from infidelity scandals to toyboy romances and even a punch-up with a romantic rival. Shirley, 63, recently announced the end of her relationship with Danny Taylor, adding another chapter to her romantic journey. She has been candid about her struggles and experiences in love, refusing to shy away from discussing the highs and lows.
Shirley’s first marriage was to her dance partner Sammy Stopford at the young age of 18 in 1980. Despite their success in the dance world, including winning the Professional Latin title at Blackpool in 1983, their marriage lasted only four years before they decided to part ways. However, they have remained friends, with Shirley expressing her continued love and admiration for Sammy.
Her second marriage was to fellow dancer Corky Ballas, whom she met at a dance competition in Canada. They tied the knot in 1985 and had a son together, Mark. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 2007, with Shirley later revealing Corky’s infidelities and emotional abuse in her memoir. She bravely shared details of body-shaming incidents during her pregnancy and the heartbreaking betrayals she endured during their time together.
Shirley’s love life took an unexpected turn when she reunited with Corky after a period of estrangement. Their reconciliation surprised many fans, but Shirley appeared optimistic about working with Corky again, hinting at new projects together. Despite the challenges they faced in the past, Shirley seemed ready to move forward with a positive outlook on their renewed partnership.
In a shocking revelation, Shirley admitted to a past infidelity during an appearance on a talk show. She confessed to sharing a moment of intimacy with another woman at a party, despite both being in relationships at the time. This candid admission added another layer to Shirley’s complex romantic history, showing her willingness to confront her past actions openly.
One of the most dramatic moments in Shirley’s love life was when she punched a woman who claimed to have had an affair with her husband, Corky. The confrontation, detailed in Shirley’s memoir, highlighted the intense emotions and challenges she faced during that period. Shirley’s willingness to share such personal stories has resonated with many fans, who appreciate her honesty and authenticity.
Shirley’s most recent relationship with Danny Taylor, a West End star, captured headlines for their significant age gap and public displays of affection. Despite Shirley’s declaration of love and desire to marry him, their engagement was called off, leading to their eventual split. Shirley’s reflections on her failed relationships and the importance of family, especially her mother, have offered glimpses into her resilience and strength amid romantic challenges.
Overall, Shirley Ballas’ love life has been a complex journey filled with highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations. Her openness about her past relationships, infidelities, and emotional scars have made her a relatable figure to many who have experienced similar struggles in love. As she continues to navigate the complexities of romance, Shirley’s resilience and honesty serve as an inspiration to her fans and admirers.