ME…. AND MY HOUSEKEEPING!

Strictly’s Shirley Ballas

What is at the top of your Christmas to-do list?

Buying my first Christmas tree in years! Usually, I’m doing panto and I don’t need any of that, so I have a lot to get – baubles, wreaths and all the lovely decor.

Will you go minimalist or over the top?

Over the top! Years ago, when Mark was growing up, I put greenery anywhere and everywhere it would fit to fill the house with Christmas spirit. This year, I want to get back to that. I want it to be like a Santa’s grotto, so it gives everyone an uplifting feeling.

What are your festive essentials?

I have to watch The Sound Of Music and Scrooge – they’re my go-to films, even though I can recite them from start to finish. And I have to have lots of fattening foods in the cupboard, because Christmas is the time for a bit of relief and to enjoy yourself.

The Christmas food you can’t live without?

Mince pies with custard or a dollop of fresh cream, a bit of pork with the crackling, and a nice piece of beef with horseradish sauce. Oh, and Yorkshire puddings, of course.

What is your signature dish?

Stuffing, which I make from scratch. I do it the way my mother-in-law used to many years ago, with sausage meat, onions and cranberries. Delicious.

Where is your favourite place to get special festive treats?

Marks & Spencer for its crackers, desserts and double clotted cream. We’ll treat ourselves with a big shop at Christmas.

Your best Christmas memory?

Any time I’ve been together with family. My brother, David, died at Christmas, so it was always very difficult, and for about 15 years, we didn’t really celebrate at all. But now, if we can get together and enjoy each other’s company, I love that.

What is Christmas Day like in your house?

We’ll laze about in pyjamas in the morning and do gifts, then everyone mucks in to prepare lunch. After eating, we’ll play Scrabble and Monopoly, and Mum likes to listen to Johnny Cash with her whisky and dry ginger. We’ll remember David during the day, too.

What is your favourite tradition?

Doing the Christmas crackers. I always try to get special ones and we’ll all sit round and read the little rhymes inside to each other.

My mother likes us all to be dressed for dinner – hair done, make-up on, a nice pair of jeans or a little dress. But this year, I think I’m going to buy everyone Christmas jumpers!

Do you dress up or down? What festive song is guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor?

Give me any Christmas song, even We Wish You A Merry Christmas

How will Christmas be different this year?

I’m buying my first Christmas tree in years!

Danny and I won’t be working, which was devastating at first, but we’re really going to make the most of it by doing the house up and enjoying every moment with those we love. I hope my son will be able to fly over from California, but I’m not so sure about that. I want to just forget the pandemic for a minute and take Christmas for what it is and enjoy every second.

How will you make it special?

For me, the idea of being together with family is special in itself. And the fact that my mother, who is 83 and has cancer, gets another Christmas, that’s incredible.

What is your top tip for a hassle-free Christmas Day?

Stay away from anything anyone can argue about, never talk about each other’s families, and don’t judge anybody.

Can you tell us your Christmas wish?

I would hope that Danny will ask me to marry him… watch this space!

Behind The Sequins (BBC Books, £20) by Shirley Ballas is out now. Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley & Craig’s Perfect 10 DVD is out 24 November