Shirley Ballas Reflects on Departure of Strictly Come Dancing Hosts and Advocacy for Mental Health Awareness
Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, expressed her surprise and sadness at the news of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly stepping down after 11 years. The popular presenting duo confirmed their departure in a joint Instagram statement in October. Winkleman, 53, and Daly, 56, had been hosting the BBC One series together since 2014, with their final joint appearance on the pre-recorded festive episode aired on Christmas Day. Ballas shared her fondness for the hosts and mentioned that she will miss their presence on the show.
Ballas, who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and became the head judge in September of the same year, reflected on her initial doubts about taking on the role. She almost quit in 2018 due to concerns about intrusion, criticism, and media attention. However, her son, choreographer Mark Ballas, encouraged her to stay, highlighting the platform the show provides for causes she is passionate about. Grateful for the opportunity, Ballas has used her platform to raise awareness about male suicide and men's mental health, supporting charities like Campaign Against Living Miserably and Suicide&Co.
In a recent interview with Saga Magazine for its January issue, Ballas also shared her thoughts on maintaining her health and fitness. She revealed that she had been offered the weight-loss drug Ozempic but decided against it after her mother advised her to stick to her own methods of staying in shape. Ballas emphasized the importance of thorough research and the potential risks associated with quick fixes. The full interview with Shirley Ballas can be found in Saga Magazine's January issue.
In conclusion, Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, expressed her surprise and sadness at the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after 11 years on the show. Reflecting on her own journey on the show and the support of her son, Ballas highlighted the platform Strictly provides for important causes like male suicide awareness. She also shared her decision to prioritize her health and fitness through her own methods rather than opting for quick fixes. The full interview with Ballas is available in Saga Magazine's January issue.