GIVE IT A WHIRL Brave Ballas is set for Strictly return after op
STRICTLY’S head judge Shirley Ballas has vowed to make it back on to TV tonight just five days after going under the knife.
The former dancer went into hospital on Tuesday morning to have her breast implants removed.
Shirley made the brave decision following a routine mammogram.
A hospital assistant told the Queen of Latin that X-ray machines do not always detect cancerous tissue behind implants.
Since her family have a history of cancer, the 59-year-old made the bold move to have them removed.
Following the four-hour surgery, Shirley has been resting at home with new boyfriend Danny Taylor looking after her.
Strong
And she has told BBC chiefs that she will do all she can to return to full strength and get back in her chair on the Strictly judging panel alongside Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.
A pal said: “She has every intention on being there.”
Only last week, just days before the op, Shirley explained: “I need to go in with a strong mind but I’m doing it for personal reasons, health reasons for myself.
“I’m hoping to be back at work on Saturday, all being well.”
Shirley got the implants in 2002 after her marriage to US dancer Corky Ballas broke down.
Her decision to have them out has been prompted by the fact that her mum Audrey was stuck down with colon cancer last year, an aunt has recently been diagnosed with the illness and another died of it.
The BBC appears confident that Shirley will be back.
And insiders claim they have not lined up anyone to replace her.
Two weeks ago The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro stood in for Bruno when he was absent from the show.
● Strictly is on BBC One tonight at 7pm.