Latest news with #ShirleyBallas
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly's Shirley Ballas' marriage split due to husband's affair with co-star
Shirley Ballas has been married twice, with her second marriage to Corky Ballas ending in divorce after he had an affair with a former Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas, the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, saw her second marriage to Corky Ballas crumble when he began a romance with a former star of the BBC programme. Shirley married American ballroom dancer Corky in 1985, twelve months after her first marriage to Sammy Stopford had ended. The couple relocated to Houston in America and had their first child, Mark Ballas, who would later become a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars. However, their marriage fell apart in 2007 after Corky became involved with his dance student, Kristina Rihanoff, who was nearly a decade his junior. Despite the five-year romance, Shirley maintains it started after she and Corky had separated but before their formal divorce was finalised, reports Wales Online. Shirley, who became head judge on Strictly in 2017, holds no grudge against Kristina, who left the BBC programme before Shirley replaced Len Goodman. "I've had lunch with Kristina. I'm a people person. I love people," she told The Daily Star in 2017. When questioned whether Kristina's possible comeback to Strictly would cause any problems, she responded: "It would be absolutely fine. I have no issues with anybody being on the show at all." Professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff has made headlines throughout her career, both for her performances and her relationships. She first made headlines back in 2009, when she was linked with former boxer Joe Calzaghe, a romance that lasted until 2013, reports the Mirror. That same year, she found herself thrust into the limelight again following her pairing with ex-England rugby legend Ben Cohen, who separated from his wife. Meanwhile, Shirley Ballas, who has also experienced her fair share of romantic upheaval, has recently called time on her six-year romance with actor and fellow dancer Danny Taylor, aged 51. Shirley disclosed they had broken off their engagement, though had remained an item afterwards. However, sources suggest it was their demanding schedules and long-distance arrangement - with Shirley residing in London while Danny was stationed in Liverpool - that eventually led to their split. Their romance kicked off in 2018 when they both starred in Jack and the Beanstalk, with Shirley admitting she was smitten from the get-go, despite Danny being with another partner at the time. "We met on panto as friends. It didn't really take off until March... for him. I fell in love way before... I think for me it was [at] first sight. He was going through a difficult time in his relationship," she remembered. Shirley Ballas shared a sweet tale about their courtship, admitting: "We did become friends and then probably in about February I said, 'I love you Danny' and he said, 'I know'. It took a while," she joked.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood says he's been forced to ‘mellow' harsh comments through fear of being ‘cancelled'
STRICTLY Come Dancing's sharp-tongued judge Craig Revel Horwood has admitted he's "mellowed" his straight-talking critique to avoid being "cancelled." It came just months after the show's longest-serving judge launched an astonishing attack on his fellow BBC judges, as reported exclusively by The Sun. 6 6 6 At the time Craig, 60, blasted Shirley Ballas, 64, Anton Du Beke, 58, and Motsi Mabuse, 43, and claimed he alone was behind the show's continuing success. Now he has admitted he tries to "tag a positive" onto every negative comment about a celebrity's dance skills. The pro said: "Back 21 years ago I could be more direct but now what I do is be honest and upfront with the contestants about their routine like I am with anything, I am honest, and with Strictly I am honest but then I will try tag a positive onto the end of it." He added to MailOnline: "I generally do one point now where it's a negative and a point that's positive just to help them build and grow and give them more confidence. "As long as I am honest and not being harsh for effect and telling the truth about the dance then no one can really go against that. "You will only be cancelled if you're being untoward in that way or doing it for effect or your own personal gain but that isn't my case and never will be." Last year, Craig - who often attracts pantomime 'boos' from Strcitly's live audience - admitted that he had toned down his judging style as it would not be allowed today. He said: 'I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, 'Ooh, that's cutting'. 'It would now be classed as bullying, and then I'd be cancelled.' Watch the moment Chris McCausland hits out at Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly telling him 'this is your opportunity to be nice' Former Strictly show pro Ola Jordan recently claimed Craig had "lost his sparkle" due to toning down his approach. He was even seen fighting back tears last series after an emotional routine from eventual-winner Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell. STRICTLY SCANDALS His attitude change came after former Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice was under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after last year. The same investigation also saw fellow after allegations of "physical incidents" towards show partner Zara McDermott. Giovanni quit the BBC show last year. In October, the BBC released their findings into his conduct, upholding six of the 17 allegations of bullying made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington from her time as his 2023 partner. Giovanni was cleared on the other 11, but the BBC still apologised to Amanda for her experience. CLAP BACK Craig, a Strictly veteran of 21 years, was pulling no punches on the first night of his UK tour, Revelations: Songs Boys Don't Sing. In a comment writing off original head judge Len Goodman and axed Arlene Phillips, acid-tongued Craig said: 'There is no other judge. I created it. They are either dead or have been sacked.' Playing up to his notoriety, he added: 'I get booed heavily but I enjoy playing the villain.' He joked that his comments about Len, who died in 2023 aged 78, and Arlene, 81, who was axed in 2009, and the later judges would help him sell tickets for the show. Craig laughed: 'We are going to be in the news. We need it as this is the beginning of the tour and we need to sell the tour.' Craig, paid around £200,000 a year for Strictly, went on to rap the Beeb for making him change the name of his third autobiography. 6 6 6
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street launches search for new dog to join ITV soap - but there's a catch
Coronation Street bosses are on the lookout for a dog to star on the soap and have launched a nationwide talent search called Pup Idol with Strictly's Shirley Ballas on board to help Coronation Street has launched a nationwide casting search for a dog with their new competition Pup Idol. But there's a catch, as the doggies keen to become the next big soap star must meet a list of requirements to be a contender. The ITV soap has decided to look for a new canine star to appear on the cobbles, and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas is leading the search through a campaign with This Morning. The TV star called out to viewers in a recent episode of the ITV magazine show, where she reminded hopefuls that their pooch must be well-behaved and obedient to be within a chance of securing a role on the long-running soap. She said: "We'll be looking for the best little pup in Great Britain, so I'm very excited about that and would like to see that we have some obedience. Continuing to rhyme off the list of requirements, she added: "Good behaviour - we're looking for something with [a] really good temperament. [The dog will also have to be] loving, kind, caring, well groomed and not easily distracted on TV sets, and maybe some good little tricks would be nice." Shirley will be assisted in the search by veterinarian Dr Scott Miller and Jodie Prenger - who plays Rovers barmaid Glenda Shuttleworth - and the West End star referenced some of the furry friends of Weatherfield past. Jodie, who lives on a farm with her fiance Simon Motson and once helped Andrew Lloyd Webber look for a Toto to star in The Wizard of Oz, said: "From Schmeichel to David [and] Eccles, many paws have graced these famous cobbles and they've probably cocked their legs on a few lamp posts as well. "Your furry friend could be joining that illustrious list. I am so excited to be part of the judging panel that will be putting the pups through their paces to see who will win the walk-on part in the nation's longest-running soap. "So if you think your pooch should play the part, then what are you waiting for? And who knows, you could be watching your four-legged furry friend make their television debut," she told viewers live from the Corrie set. Applications for the search can be found here, and fans must enter by July 25 to be in with a chance of getting their four-legged friend on screen. The lucky canine will be one of several pets who have featured on the programme throughout its 65-year history. Some of the more recent canine residents of Weatherfield included Evelyn Plummer's greyhound Cerebus, and the Platt family dog David, whom David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) inherited from a salon client. Prior to that, Maria Connor ( Samia Longchambon) was gifted a Labrador by her husband Liam Connor shortly before he was killed in a hit-and-run accident. Perhaps two of the more famous dogs to have resided on the cobbles include Chesney Battersby Brown's (Sam Aston) Great Dane Schmeichel, and Border Terrier Eccles, who lived with the Barlows at number one for several years. Other pets to have been included on the cobbles over the years included Yasmeen's pet chicken Charlotte Bronte, and rat Darryl, who arrived along with Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) shortly after his debut in 2011. In the early days, original Street battle axe Ena Sharples (Violet Carson) received a budgie called Archie but passed it onto her friend Martha Longhurst (Lynne Carrol), and Vera Duckworth (Liz Dawn) took a cat called Cleo to the factory to catch the mice. In the 1990s, Rovers landlady Natalie Barnes ( Denise Welch) had a cat called Tiger, and David Platt famously had a rabbit called Barney. Jack Duckworth (Bill Tarmey) was known for keeping pigeons, and his surrogate son Tyrone Dobbs ( Alan Halsall) found a stray one that he named after Beyonce.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas shares move away from show saying 'it may be bigger'
BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas shares move away from show saying 'it may be bigger' Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas appeared on This Morning and teased a new role away from the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas has excitedly shared news of a new venture that she believes 'may be bigger' than the BBC show. The head judge graced the This Morning sofa with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Monday (July 14) and disclosed her latest quest to find a dog to star in Coronation Street. With her own pooch Charlie by her side, Cat enquired: "You're not on the show looking for a ballroom dancer, you are looking for something else right?" Shirley enthused: "Charlie and I will be looking for the next pup idol and this is going to be maybe be even bigger than Strictly and I'm very excited to find out which little pet is going to be coming on the show." The competition, dubbed Pup Idol on This Morning, seeks a dog with standout charisma, charm, and an engaging personality, reports Edinburgh Live. Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas appeared on This Morning (Image: ITV ) Article continues below BBC Death in Paradise confirms return of Ralf Little as he reprises role READ MORE: The triumphant dog will have the opportunity to walk the iconic cobbles, appearing on television alongside some of the nation's most cherished characters. Elaborating on the criteria, Shirley stated: "We are looking for the best little pup in Great Britain so I'm very excited about that. "We are looking for one with a really good temperament, loving, kind, caring, well groomed and not easily distracted on a TV set." Ben clarified: "So it's a This Morning competition and generally looking for any of our viewers who think their dog could be a TV superstar." Shirley Ballas is on the hunt for a canine star with charisma and charm to join the Corrie cast (Image: ITV ) He then enquired: "So will the dog be on Coronation Street?" Shirley responded: "Yes. They'll be taking a stroll through the cobbles so we really need it to be fabulous." Shirley disclosed that joining her on the judging panel would be Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger. Cat admitted: 'That's going to be a tough job because I bet we are going to get some great entries. Shirley replied: 'Great entries, loving dogs and I just know I'm going to love them all and want them all on the cobbles." Shirley Ballas teased 'little changes' to the show that will 'surprise' viewers (Image: PA ) It didn't take long for Shirley to be quizzed on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing as Cat said: 'We can't let you go, sorry. We are not going to let you go, so come on what can you tell us about Strictly?' Shirley chuckled as she said: 'I knew this was coming. What I can tell you is that we've got fabulous professionals coming in and joining the show and they are amazing.' She then teased: 'We've got some little changes that you're going to be really surprised about. Every year they make those few little changes and it's really, really amazing and we've got a cast of all the cast and I know I say it every year but it's going to be off the charts.' Article continues below This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly signs two new professional dancers as head judge Shirley Ballas reveals new line-up is ‘off the charts'
STRICTLY Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas has confirmed that two brand-new professional dancers are joining the upcoming series — and she's calling the line-up 'off the charts'. Appearing on ITV's This Morning earlier today, Shirley couldn't hide her excitement as she spilled a few juicy titbits about what fans can expect when Strictly waltzes back onto screens later this year. 6 6 6 'I can tell you that we have two new professionals joining the show and they are amazing,' she gushed. 'There's a few little changes — you know they do little things every year. But we've got the cast of all cast. It's going to be off the charts!' Things took a cheeky turn when Paul C Brunson, relationship expert from Married At First Sight, happened to cross over with Shirley. Host Ben Shephard couldn't resist stirring the pot, referencing The Sun's exclusive story that Paul has been signed to the 2025 series. Ben said: 'Well apparently Paul is in the line-up… show us a move!' to which Paul responded with a slick body wave that had the studio in stitches. Shirley clapped but played coy and expertly deflected the speculation, refusing to officially confirm anything. It comes after Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima's exits from the show. Giovanni, 34, sensationally quit Strictly in May last year following allegations about his behaviour in rehearsals from former partner Amanda Abbington. Months later Graziano, 31, was sacked after an altercation with Zara McDermott during her time on the show. Last month The Sun revealed one of the new dancers in talks to join the show after he was seen in rehearsals with the team. We told how dancer and choreographer Luke Miller is hotly tipped to be announced as one of professionals. Fellow professional Dianne Buswell, 36, has also revealed two new dancers will join the competition when Strictly returns later this year. Speaking on her podcast with Chris McCausland, she told her co-host: 'You were in my dream the other day. 'We've got two new pros this year on Strictly - don't know who they are yet - a new boy and a new girl.' Comedian Chris, 48 - who won the show with Dianne last year - asked: 'Who are they getting rid of?' Dianne replied: 'Nobody, but we're adding two more. I dreamt that you were the new pro male. But I was fake happy, and it's really mean for me to say that, but I wasn't really happy for you. 'I was like, 'what the hell? He's going to think he's better than me now'. 'And to make it worse you won the series, so you were a double winner and I was like, 'this isn't fair, now everyone's going to think it wasn't me who made him win it was actually himself that won it the first time'.' 6 6 6
