Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas shares her ‘only real’ wish for Christmas

Virgin Radio

9 Dec 2021, 11:18

There’s only one thing the head judge wants this festive season - and it’s not in any gift guides.

After spending two-and-a-half years apart due to the coronavirus pandemic, Shirley is hoping Father Christmas brings her a big hug from son Mark Ballas. 

The former Dancing With The Stars pro lives thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, while Shirley has stayed in the UK. 

Speaking with Kent Life Magazine, Shirley said: “My only real wish for 2022 is that I get to cuddle my son. 

“As has been the case for many other people as far as their loved ones are concerned, I haven't seen him for a long time - not in two-and-a-half years, in fact.

"I just want to spend some time with him, to sit and have a coffee and shoot the breeze.”

Shirley shares son Mark with ex-husband Corky Ballas. 

Earlier this week, Shirley defended her decision to award former Strictly contestant Dan Walker with a score of nine shortly after he was sent home from the competition. 

Taking to Twitter, she responded to a fan who called out her decision to reward the BBC presenter with a high score.

Shirley tweeted: "Actually I was considering a 10 @mrdanwalker fabulous routine. A little hiccup on balance but other than that superb.”

Dan was sent home from the competition after facing AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington in Sunday’s dance-off.