I’ve had to learn how to nurse my mum through cancer. I’m in awe of her strength

SHIRLEY IS SUPPORTING HER MUM

year, Corky went public with the secrets of their relationship.

But Shirley bears no grudge, saying: “I think he regretted writing it. We moved on and I adore him as he’s the father of my son.”

Shirley admits it can be tough battling “male bullies” in a man’s industry and hails the support of a circle of close friends.

They include her best pal of 30 years Terri – whose house we are at today.

Shirley says: “I have a policy. I have five really good friends to confide in.

“I met Terri in the playground with our kids when we were young mums. She’s followed me everywhere watching my dancing. And I stay at hers when I do Strictly. It’s a safe place. In my industry the green-eyed monster is very prevalent and dominated with men at the top who are bullies.

TRACKSUIT

“I have to be strong. But I’m not very good at letting people in.”

On that note, while Shirley confesses to being lonely after being single for three years, she is in no hurry to find a man – and says she enjoys filling her time with trips to the gym.

“I can go and just be myself in a tracksuit and no make-up,” she says.

The conversation returns to her mum as Shirley talks about her debut. She says: “Mum would critique my outfits. She still does. I call her every week at 5pm to see if she likes my hair and make-up with the whole team standing there.

She tells them: ‘I don’t like those bits, what’s going on there? Oh, you look lovely today’. If I’m wearing a long dress she says ‘why have they hidden those lovely legs?’

“Last season was funny as she would tell me to do her a twirl. I always did.”

Shirley has a home in LA but will spend Christmas in the UK – and make her panto debut in Liverpool as Mother Nature in Jack and the Beanstalk. Son Mark, who appears on Dancing With The Stars and is a star of Broadway musicals, will fly in from the US. Shirley adds: “He’s so busy so him coming is like a little diamond. And with Mum being ill I am grateful for every moment I can spend with her. “We are here for five minutes and then we are gone, so I try to live every moment to the full.” scarlet.howes@trinitymirror.com