DANCING QUEEN: 'You'd have to shovel me out of my Strictly chair'
OK! UK|September 16, 2024
Shirley Ballas loves her role as head judge on the hit BBC dance show and despite struggling with back pain, she won't be putting her feet up any time soon, she tells OK! in an exclusive interview
JEN PHARO
DANCING QUEEN: 'You'd have to shovel me out of my Strictly chair'

Shirley Ballas has an unshakeable work ethic, a high pain threshold and a razzle-dazzle smile. And she'll need all three to get her through the new series of Strictly Come Dancing as she waits for spinal surgery.

After a 56-year career of non-stop dancing, Shirley, now 63, is struggling with back pain. She's seen three spine specialists and is preparing to go under the knife.

In an exclusive chat, Shirley tells OK!, "I've been to see three specialists and I may need surgery. It's not a choice, I will have to get it sorted. It can wait until after Strictly because I have a high tolerance for pain anyway, and it's something I've been living with for many, many years, but it's just deteriorated over the course of the last year." Spinal surgery is not to be undertaken lightly, but Shirley has sought the best opinions and has the support of her son Mark and her mum Audrey.

"I'm on it like a car bonnet," reassures Shirley.

"I am working and making sure I'm seeing the best people on both sides of the Atlantic - in the United States and here. My whole family's involved in it, and I have some great people with some great advice." Until now, Shirley has lived her life at 100 miles an hour, but she's beginning to accept she needs to take some time out for herself.

"It's time to not work such long hours," concedes Shirley. "Not so much with TV, because that's actually pleasurable and I find it very easy, but I stand on my feet all day, from morning till night, teaching and coaching.

That's the part I'm going to have to take a little bit of a step back from."

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OK! UKView all
SEASONAL SHOPPING
OK! UK

SEASONAL SHOPPING

Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 25, 2024
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
OK! UK

BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH

As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here are some of the steps we can take to help protect ourselves

time-read
2 mins  |
November 25, 2024
'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'
OK! UK

'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'

Comedian Ruby Wax shares her long-term struggles with mental health as she backs a brand new campaign to inspire and help others

time-read
4 mins  |
November 25, 2024
I'm happy to be the one who says no'
OK! UK

I'm happy to be the one who says no'

TV presenter Helen Skelton might love the adrenaline rush of a new adventure, but when she's not busy breaking Guinness World Records she has learned how to take the pressure off herself

time-read
5 mins  |
November 25, 2024
My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'
OK! UK

My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'

I'm A Celebrity star Alan Halsall on how his loved ones feel about his Aussie adventure and what he will miss most while away

time-read
3 mins  |
November 25, 2024
'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'
OK! UK

'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'

Race Across The World stars Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi on letting the cameras into their private life with their new reality series and taking on their toughest challenge yet

time-read
5 mins  |
November 25, 2024
"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'
OK! UK

"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'

MAFS UK'S Sacha Jones says she's devastated following her heartbreaking split from \"husband\" Ross McCarthy

time-read
6 mins  |
November 25, 2024
THE ROYAL WEEK
OK! UK

THE ROYAL WEEK

Armistice Day was remembered, entertainers were honoured and the King celebrated his birthday

time-read
2 mins  |
November 25, 2024
KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE
OK! UK

KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE

\"This is Kate's night,\" a royal expert tells OK!, as the Princess of Wales reveals she will be hosting her annual carol service this year

time-read
6 mins  |
November 25, 2024
I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'
OK! UK

I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'

JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz introduce baby son Shiva to the world in our exclusive OK! shoot

time-read
7 mins  |
November 25, 2024