Who’s the new judge stirring up Strictly?
Since head judge Len Goodman waltzed off Strictly Come Dancing after 12 years, the search has been on for a replacement. Enter dancing pro Shirley Ballas, 56. She’s one of the most successful ballroom dancers in the world. Here’s what you need to know…
Kristina Rihanoff was her love rival
Shirley married her second husband, fellow dancer Mark Alexander “Corky” Ballas, in 1985 – and they had a son, Mark, together. The pair were still married – but had separated – when Mark began dating Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff after he became her teacher in 2003. Despite him being 17 years older than her, the pair were together for five years, but their romance fizzled out in 2008. Since Shirley’s role as head judge was confirmed, rumours have been rife that Kristina – who has said she would love a place on the panel – might find any plans to return to the show in jeopardy. But Kristina has said there is no drama between the pair, last week revealing: “When I moved to the UK we had a lovely dinner…we’ve always been on great terms and respected each other deeply.”
She’s a ‘second mum’ to Cheryl’s ex Derek
Shirley looked after Dancing With The Stars winners and dance professional siblings Derek and Julianne Hough during their childhoods in London, acting as their guardian when they travelled over from the US to make their names in the dancing world. They’re still very much part of the family now. Derek – who shot to fame when he dated Cheryl in 2010 – reminisced about his time living with Shirley in his memoir Taking The Lead. Recalling a time as a teenager when he had a sneaky cigarette out of the bathroom window, he wrote: “She slapped me across my cheek. That was the day I learned never to lie to Shirley.” He describes Shirley as an impeccable teacher, but revealed there were never any excuses to skip rehearsals, saying: “Being sick was never really an option.”
Her son Mark taught Kim Kardashian to dance
Shirley and Corky’s son Mark Ballas Jr., 31, is also a professional dancer, and is one of the pros on Dancing With The Stars (which Shirley also appeared on as a commentator and dance teacher). In 2008, Mark – who’s won the show twice – was paired with Kim Kardashian, but they were the third couple to be booted off. He’s since said: “Kim wasn’t the best dancing partner. We became good friends and I know the family well. Dancing was not her thing, but she’s a great girl.” He was even a guest at her wedding to Kris Humphries, and gave the pair private dance lessons. He’s also appeared on the show with opera singer Katherine Jenkins and The Hills star Kristin Cavallari, and is a singer/songwriter in the band Alexander Jean, which he formed with his wife BC Jean.