Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has openly expressed her heartfelt regrets about being an absent mother during her son Mark's formative years, as she continues to stoke rumours about potentially quitting the beloved BBC dance competition. The 65-year-old television personality, often dubbed the 'Queen of Latin', has been making headlines this week amid growing concerns that she might not return for the upcoming series of Strictly, following reports of her landing a significant role on the rival American show, Dancing with the Stars.
Regrets Over Motherhood and Hopes for Grandmotherhood
In a candid new interview with The Mirror, Shirley Ballas revealed her deep-seated remorse for prioritising her illustrious dancing career over family time when her son Mark was growing up. She confessed, 'I want to be a much better grandmother than I was a mother, as I was pursuing my career.' Shirley elaborated on her feelings of guilt, stating, '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.'
Family Dynamics and New Opportunities
Mark Ballas, now 39, is a highly successful professional dancer based in the United States, where he resides with his two-year-old son, Banksi, and his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean, 38. The couple is currently expecting another child, adding to the family excitement. Shirley's potential move to Dancing with the Stars could see her joining forces with her son, as reports suggest she is set to become a new judge on the US series, while Mark will also be involved in helping find new professional dancers for a spin-off show.
This collaboration has intensified speculation that Shirley might step away from Strictly Come Dancing, especially given the possible scheduling conflicts. Filming for the Strictly series typically runs from September to December each year, and it remains unclear when the US spin-off will shoot, raising fears of a clash that could force Shirley to choose between the two high-profile roles.
Fan Reactions and Industry Precedents
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have been quick to react to the news on social media platforms, with many debating whether Shirley's new role signals her departure from the BBC show. One Reddit user commented, 'VERY interesting, makes me wonder if she’s considering leaving Strictly for the Dancing With The Stars main show!' Others speculated on potential compromises, such as guest judges filling in temporarily, reminiscent of past arrangements.
If Shirley does make the move, she would be following in the footsteps of former Strictly judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, both of whom left the BBC programme to appear on Dancing with the Stars. Shirley took over as head judge in 2017 after Len Goodman's departure, and his passing in 2023 adds a poignant layer to her potential career shift.
Personal Background and Career Highlights
Shirley Ballas, a mother-of-one, shares her son Mark with ex-husband and professional dancer Corky Ballas, who played a key role in raising Mark within the competitive dance world. Throughout her career, Shirley has earned global acclaim as a ballroom dancer, and she currently judges alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke on Strictly Come Dancing. In her interview, she expressed a desire to dance the cha cha cha with her son and hopes to perform a full routine alongside him, highlighting her enduring passion for dance and family connections.
The new US spin-off series, which will feature show winner Robert Irwin—son of the late Steve Irwin—as host, adds another dimension to Shirley's potential involvement. The Daily Mail has reached out to the BBC and Shirley's representative for comment, but no official statements have been released yet, leaving fans and media alike in suspense about her future on Strictly Come Dancing.
