Shirley Ballas says she hopes to be a ‘much better grandmother than mother’ as she fuels rumours she’s quitting Strictly to move to the US to be closer to her son
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Shirley Ballas has said she hopes to be a better grandmother as she continues to fuel rumors that she is quitting Strictly Come Dancing.
The Strictly head judge, 65, hit the headlines this week amid fears he would not return to the new series after appearing in a rival series.
Now, in a new interview, the star has shared her sadness at being so preoccupied with her career while her son Mark was growing up.
he said Mirror: ‘While pursuing my career, I want to be a better grandmother than a mother.’
Shirley continued: ‘I told him I didn’t think I was there for him. His teddy bear was in my suitcase. “It was very difficult for me.”
Mark, now 39, is a professional dancer based in the US, where he lives with his two-year-old son Banksi, whom he shares with his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean, 38.
Shirley Ballas says she hopes to be a better grandmother as she continues to fuel rumors that she is quitting Strictly Come Dancing
In a new interview, the star shared her sadness at being so busy with her career while her son Mark was growing up (image 2015)
The couple is also expecting another child.
Shirley is reportedly set to join her son as a new judge on US show Dancing with the Stars, fueling speculation she could leave Strictly.
The star said she loved the chance to dance the cha cha cha with her son and hopes to perform a full routine with him.
Mark, who appeared on Dancing With The Stars from 2007 to 2023 and lifted the trophy three times, will join Shirley in the spin-off series to help the series find its new pro. Sun.
For the first time, show winner Robert Irwin, son of The Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin, will host the new series. Reality Steve.
It is not yet known when filming for the spin-off series will take place, but there are fears it could clash with filming for Strictly, which takes place from September to December each year.
The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC and Shirley’s rep for comment.
Fans immediately took to social media to react to the news, debating whether the new role would see Shirley leave Strictly Come Dancing.
Join the discussion
Should Shirley Ballas put family first or stay loyal to her UK fans and Strictly Come Dancing?
The 65-year-old Strictly head judge hit headlines this week amid fears he would not return to the new series after appearing in a rival series
The TV judge, who appeared alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke on the BBC One show, is said to have moved across the pond
Someone on Reddit wrote: ‘VERY interesting, wonder if Strictly has considered joining the main show of Dancing With The Stars!’
Another chimed in: ‘I definitely don’t think he’ll leave unless they both clash,’ while a third said: ‘He’ll do what Bruno did and leave with a guest judge to replace him for a week or two…’
Shirley would follow in the footsteps of former Strictly judging stars Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli by joining Dancing With The Stars.
Both former panellists left the program to star in the BBC’s American series.
The ‘Latin Queen’, who was a world-famous ballroom dancer throughout her career on the dance floor, took over the position of head judge when Len, who died in 2023, left in 2017.
Mark is a mother of one with ex-husband and professional dancer Corky Ballas, who is raising their son in the world of competitive dance.
