Strictly's Shirley Ballas: Two marriages, 'toyboy' lover, and famous son

The Strictly Come Dancing judge has been married twice but is now happily loved up with partner Danny Taylor - she is also due to become a grandmother very soon

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Michelle Townsend

14:23, 11 NOV 2023

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas (Image: Instagram/shirleyballas)

Shirley Ballas is one of the most recognisable faces in the UK and Ireland thanks to her role as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Queen of Latin has enjoyed an incredible dance and TV career over the years and is always on hand to offer the contestants advice.

Away from Strictly, Shirley is loved up with boyfriend Danny Taylor.

She also shares a son with her ex-husband Corky and will soon become a first time grandmother.

Is Shirley Ballas married?

Shirley is currently not married, but has been twice.

Her first husband was Sammy Stopford, who she wed when she was just 18 years old. The couple were professional dance partners and won a string of titles together, tying the knot in 1980.

But four years later, they called it quits and filed for divorce.

Despite splitting up, the pair are said to have remained good friends over the years.

Shirley married for the second time in 1985, this time to American ballroom dancer Corky Ballas.

They were married for 22 years and share son Mark, 37, but split up in 2007.

Who is Shirley Ballas' boyfriend?

Shirley is loved up with her "toyboy" partner Danny Taylor, whom she met in 2018 during pantomime season.

The couple have a 12-year age gap as Shirley is 62 and Danny is 50. But this doesn't bother the Strictly judge.

She told Prima in 2021: "My relationship with Danny has changed my life. He’s very different to anyone I’ve been with before. First of all, he’s 6ft 1in, he’s the tallest man I’ve ever dated, and I love his jet black hair.

"He’s also very kind and very caring – he’s always there for me. I hope he’ll propose one day, but he’s never married and I think he’s a bit nervous about it, so we’ll see. Come on, Danny!"

Daniel Taylor and Shirley Ballas attend the Pride of Britain Awards 2022 (Image: 2022 Dave J Hogan)

Sometimes the couple have to spend time apart due to conflicting work schedules.

Back in September, the TV star told The Sun: "I think the last time I saw him was August, when he joined me on my week-long Skyathlon challenge for mental health charity CALM - so it has been a long time. We have a unique, unconventional relationship. It’s built on trust."

Famous son

Shirley Ballas' son is also a professional dancer.

While he has never taken to the Strictly dancefloor, Mark Ballas is famed for his long-standing role on Dancing with the Stars in America.

Mark joined the franchise in 2007 and won the show three times over the course of 16 years.

Shirley Ballas with son Mark and his wife BC Jean in Hollywood in 2017 (Image: 2017 Paul Archuleta)

However, he stood back earlier this year. Shirley said at them: "Although I’m sad to see my son retire from DWTS, I’m excited to see the next chapter of his life.

"Hang on to your hat - buckle up it will be quite the ride. I’m proud of you Mark. Your heart shines brightly."

Mark and his wife, songwriter BC Jean, are expecting their first child shortly, which will make Shirley a first-time grandmother.

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