Quick Read
- Shirley Ballas, 65, is actively dating again after ending her relationship with Danny Taylor over a year ago.
- She seeks a partner with intellect, humor, and generosity, prioritizing genuine connection over labels.
- The Strictly Come Dancing head judge is preparing for the 2026 live arena tour across the UK.
- Her focus remains on her mother, Audrey, 88, who is in remission from cancer and manages COPD.
- Ballas maintains a disciplined lifestyle, including daily hotpod yoga and a specific diet, while also addressing past controversies and public voting patterns on Strictly.
At 65, Shirley Ballas, the formidable head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, is not just dancing through life; she’s orchestrating a vibrant new chapter. A year after ending her relationship with boyfriend Danny Taylor, 52, Ballas is back on the dating scene, openly embracing new possibilities while navigating a packed professional schedule and profound personal commitments. Her candid reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of a woman who is as disciplined on the dance floor as she is in her daily routine.
A New Rhythm: Shirley Ballas Steps Back into the Dating Spotlight
Shirley Ballas, ever the pragmatist, confirms she’s had ‘a date or two’ since her split from Danny Taylor in late 2024. For her, it’s about authentic connection, free from the pressures of labels. “I know my truth. I know my authentic self, and if I want to go out on a date I will go. Nothing serious. No labels, no tags,” she told the Daily Mail. What does the Queen of Latin look for in a partner? Intellect, humor, and generosity top her list. “Humour. I like somebody with some intellect. Generosity, too. I’ve always been that person that pays for everybody, so it’s actually quite nice when they say, ‘No, I’ve got this.’ I think, ‘Oh, this is nice.’”
Her dating philosophy reflects a life lived with intention. Ballas was married to ballroom dancer Sammy Stopford for four years in the 80s, and later to her dance partner Corky Ballas from 1985 to 2007, with whom she won numerous championships. Her exacting standards extend beyond the dance floor; she describes herself as meticulously organized. “I juice throughout the day and have only one meal. I’m the slimmest I’ve been since 2017. I do hotpod yoga every day and get quite upset if I can’t do it. That is my sanctuary.” This disciplined approach to wellness is a cornerstone of her demanding lifestyle, which includes her full-time role with the BBC, charity work, and her most important role: grandmother.
Despite her busy schedule, she finds time for flirtation, but with a cautious approach. “I am very careful, though, when I do go out with someone. I will have known them for a while.” This measured approach ensures she’s not just seeking fleeting romance but genuine connection with someone who can appreciate her demanding, yet deeply fulfilling, life.
Behind the Glitterball: The Strictly Tour and Unwavering Dedication
Before any serious dating can take root, Ballas is embarking on the highly anticipated Strictly Come Dancing live arena tour, a grueling schedule of 30 shows across the country from January 23 to February 15, 2026. Playing to packed houses of over 10,000 people, the tour recreates the magic and competition of the television series. “I love being able to meet the crowds,” she enthuses. “I feel I should give as much time as I can to those people who come to see us and make them feel special, because if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have a show like we’ve got.”
Ballas joined Strictly as head judge in 2017, quickly winning over viewers with her expert knowledge, strict standards, and trademark ‘Scouse warmth.’ Her tenure has seen its share of debates, particularly concerning public voting patterns. She openly expresses frustration over what she perceives as a bias against contestants with prior dance experience, citing the heartbreaking elimination of actor Lewis Cope, widely considered one of the best dancers on the show. “There’s nowhere in our rules that says you can’t have dance experience. Not to my knowledge, anyway… I think the public have made this rule up somehow.” This sentiment echoes a similar experience with her own son, Mark, a professional on the US version, Dancing With The Stars, who was eliminated despite high scores due to his partner’s dance training. “Those things cut deep with me, because I feel for the person who’s worked extremely hard,” she admits. However, she believes success isn’t solely defined by the glitterball trophy, advising those like Lewis and her son that ‘sometimes you don’t have to hold that glitterball trophy to become a superstar.’
The 2025 glitterball winner, Karen Carney, a former Lionesses England football team member, exemplifies the ‘classic Strictly journey’ from novice to dancer, a narrative often favored by viewers. Ballas’s passion for the show and its contestants is palpable, even when she disagrees with the public’s choices.
Navigating Challenges: Family, Scandals, and the Show’s Enduring Spirit
Amidst the professional whirlwind, Ballas’s primary focus remains her 88-year-old mother, Audrey, who is in remission from cancer and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Shirley shares her home with Audrey in southeast London and ensures constant care, even while on tour. “I always have people who can look out for her… I check in on Mum every couple of hours.” This unwavering dedication underscores her deep familial bonds.
The world of Strictly Come Dancing has also faced its share of public scrutiny and scandals, from allegations against professional dancers to police investigations involving individuals associated with the show. Shirley, however, remains resolute. “I don’t think anything taints the show,” she states defiantly. “We’re still thriving. We’ve still got a 54 per cent share of the TV audience.” Her message to those who question the show’s integrity is clear: “If you think the show is icky, switch it off. If you enjoy it, continue to watch.” She attributes the show’s resilience to its ability to provide family entertainment, a spectacle of ‘glorious baubles, bangles and beads, lights, camera, action.’
While her fellow judge Anton Du Beke has openly expressed his ambition to host Strictly, Ballas is content in her current role. “I’m quite happy to sit in my lane, darling. I’m a dancer from the tips of my toes to the top of my head.” Her admiration for Anton and Craig Revel Horwood, her tour companions, is evident, despite Anton’s playful antics, like once stealing her ‘big girl pants’ backstage. She also previously addressed a public spat with professional dancer Brendan Cole in her 2025 book, Best Foot Forward, clarifying her stance on their disagreement. Shirley Ballas is also scheduled to appear on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen Live on January 10, 2026, further highlighting her multifaceted public presence.
Shirley Ballas embodies a profound blend of professional rigor and personal warmth. Her journey, marked by resilience through relationship changes, unwavering devotion to family, and a steadfast commitment to her craft, paints a picture of a woman who not only commands the dance floor but also navigates life’s complex rhythms with authenticity and a refreshing lack of pretense. She is a testament to the power of discipline and genuine engagement, proving that at 65, life can indeed be a vibrant, evolving dance.