Shirley Ballas, the esteemed head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, caused a stir on social media this weekend by posting a daring topless photograph from her luxurious holiday retreat. The 65-year-old dance icon shared a mirror selfie taken poolside, where she strategically covered her cleavage with her arm while sunbathing. The image showcased her remarkably youthful physique, drawing widespread admiration from her followers.
Health and Wellness Regimen
In a subsequent Instagram post, Ballas provided a glimpse into her disciplined approach to nutrition by sharing a photograph of her wholesome breakfast. The plate featured fresh kiwifruit, a vibrant smoothie, and a cup of black coffee, accompanied by the caption "Starting my health kick." This aligns with her well-documented commitment to maintaining a size ten figure through rigorous dietary practices.
Controversial Dietary Methods
Ballas has previously spoken openly about her unconventional eating habits, which include experimenting with intense juice cleanses and the controversial paradox plant diet. Her routine is further supplemented by regular yoga sessions. Earlier this year, she revealed a particularly strict dietary strategy to The Sun newspaper, explaining that she has abandoned traditional three-meal days.
"The first year on the Strictly Come Dancing tour, I gained ten pounds just in that one month," Ballas confessed. "Then I realised you cannot eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, Shirley, you are over the age of 60!" This realisation prompted her to adopt intermittent fasting, typically skipping breakfast and lunch while enjoying a substantial dinner featuring rice with lean beef or chicken.
"I've realised the body doesn't need as much food as I keep stuffing in my face, so I do take care of it," she stated. Her current eating pattern involves having nothing in the morning, a juice around lunchtime, and a proper meal prepared by her mother at approximately 4 or 5 PM.
Potential Career Transition
The Instagram revelations come amid growing speculation about Ballas's future on the BBC's flagship dance competition. Recent reports suggest she may be considering a move to the American version of the show, Dancing with the Stars, where she would join her son Mark Ballas as a judge.
Family Considerations
Ballas has expressed a desire to be more present as a grandmother, acknowledging regrets about her career-focused approach during her son's childhood. "I want to be a much better grandmother than I was a mother, as I was pursuing my career," she told The Mirror. "I have told him I don't think I was there for him. I used to have his teddy in my suitcase. It was very difficult for me."
Her son Mark, now 39 and a professional dancer based in the United States, is expecting his second child with wife BC Jean. The mother-son duo are reportedly set to collaborate on a Dancing with the Stars spin-off series aimed at finding new professional dancers for the show.
Scheduling Conflicts and Fan Reactions
The potential scheduling clash between Strictly Come Dancing, which films from September to December annually, and the American production has fueled speculation about Ballas's possible departure. Fans have taken to social media platforms like Reddit to debate the implications, with some suggesting she might follow in the footsteps of former Strictly judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli by transitioning to the US show.
One fan speculated, "VERY interesting, makes me wonder if she's considering leaving Strictly for the Dancing With The Stars main show!" while another suggested, "She'll do what Bruno did and leave for a week or two with a guest judge filling in for her..."
The new Dancing with the Stars spin-off will be hosted by Robert Irwin, son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin. Neither the BBC nor Ballas's representatives have provided official comments regarding her potential career move, leaving fans and media observers awaiting further developments.
