WHAT A TROUPER!
Show goes on for brave Shirley after four-hour breast op
STRICTLY’S head judge Shirley Ballas defied doctor’s orders last night and returned to the show just days after a gruelling operation to have her breast implants removed.
While showing dedication that would surely merit a score of 10 out of 10, she said: ‘It has been a rough week, I’m not going to lie. It has been tough.’
The four-and-a-half hour operation was performed on Tuesday.
The star took the decision to reverse the plastic surgery because of a risk of cancer in her family. She yesterday estimated her pain to be ‘at the four out of 10 level’.
Ditching her usual sparkling gowns, Ms Ballas, 59, opted for a black tuxedo to hide a special support bra she was told to wear by doctors after they reduced her bust from her DD implants to her natural A cup.
Her only other obvious concession to the operation performed by leading plastic surgeon Norman Waterhouse was her decision to opt out of her traditional twirl with fellow judge Bruno Tonioli at the beginning of the show.
Speaking ahead of last night’s broadcast, Ms Ballas declared: ‘I’m all ready for the live show.’ Offering thanks and tribute to those who had helped ensure she wouldn’t miss a single show, she said: ‘First of all I want to say thank you for all of the beautiful messages I have received and to my Dr Waterhouse who got me prepared and ready to be here, huge thank you to my mum and my son, he is like, “You’ve got this, Mum”.
‘It has been a rough week, it has been a bit tough but I’m here and I’m ready to go. I have a beautiful tuxedo on this evening, not in a long dress tonight. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and I’m glad to be able to share this journey with you.’
As well as removing the breast implants, the surgeon also carried out a total capsulotomy. This is the extraction of a layer of scar tissue around the implant area.
The procedure greatly added to the length of the surgery and means Ms Ballas may face a more difficult recovery, but removing the scar tissue reduces the chances of a rare type of cancer developing.
Ms Ballas admitted to weaning herself off powerful painkillers in favour of paracetamol and antibiotics precisely so she could take part in last night’s live show.
She said: ‘I have stuck to all Mr Waterhouse’s rules apart from one, which was: “Don’t go to work on Saturday!”’
She added: ‘I won’t be able to dance with Bruno like usual. But I think everyone will understand.
‘I’ll be on a limited amount of medication because I don’t want to be twirling too high, now do I?’
Ms Ballas had shown no nerves prior to her operation, the night before showing off her curves for the last time in a striking purple one-shoulder gown on the red carpet of the Pride Of Britain awards.
Ms Ballas showed it was business as usual despite her operation on Strictly last night.
She was on her feet to cheer on those celebrities she felt had performed very well. She gave social media star Saffron Barker pointers on her routine.
There was also enormous praise for football star Alex Scott who again danced with her ‘stand-in’ partner Kevin Clifton.’
‘She opted out of her twirl with Bruno’ ‘It was business as usual despite her op’