Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has offered a rare and heartfelt glimpse into her childhood, revealing how her upbringing on a council estate shaped her views on food poverty and family support.
A Candid Conversation on Childhood and Sacrifice
In a poignant podcast for Sainsbury's 'A Recipe For...' series, the 65-year-old dance legend spoke with Hairy Bikers star Si King, 59. Ballas, who is preparing for the Strictly final this Saturday, reflected on being raised by a single mother alongside her brother, David.
She expressed deep gratitude for the "life lessons" learned during those early years, telling King she felt "fortunate" for her humble beginnings. "I feel fortunate that I was that little girl on a council estate raised by a single mother because the lessons she has taught me through my life are priceless," Shirley said.
She highlighted the sacrifices her mother made to enable her dancing career, stating, "She was a single woman, doing everything on her own and even when I had the opportunity to dance, she had to make sacrifices."
The Lifeline of Free School Dinners
The conversation took a deeply personal turn as Ballas admitted she and her brother were reliant on free school meals. She described the hot lunches as a source of "comfort and stability" during her youth.
Recalling the experience with fondness, she shared a specific memory: "I knew exactly where to go in the queue so they would say: 'We've got extra food here so you can have two roast potatoes and more semolina pudding'."
Ballas emphasised her lasting appreciation for the support, saying, "I'll be forever grateful of having the subsidy of being able to get free school dinners."
Advocating Against Modern Food Poverty
Linking her past to present-day struggles, Ballas turned advocate. With food poverty now affecting an estimated 14 million people in the UK, she stressed the urgent need for supportive initiatives, especially during the festive season.
"Times are changing, and we need to shine a light on crucial matters, and that’s often about people having access to food," she stated. Ballas called for more open discussion and education on the issue, adding, "We need to educate people when it comes to food poverty…so we can help those that have little."
The podcast is part of Sainsbury's Meals Make Memories campaign, launched with Comic Relief. It aims to celebrate food memories while highlighting the harsh reality of hunger in the UK. The full series, featuring other guests like Comic Relief co-founder Lenny Henry, is available to stream on YouTube.
