“I met my first dance partner when I was about 17 or 18 and we were married by the time we were 18 or 19, I don't remember the exact date, and everything was dance, dance, dance. Then there came just a short space of time where I was wondering whether I was missing out on anything. Back then when you danced, everybody married their dance partner.”

English dancer and television personality

Shirley Ballas is an English dancer and television personality, best known for her work in International Latin and for serving as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing since 2017. She built her reputation through competitive dancing, winning several championship titles in the International Latin division, a record that earned her the nickname "the Queen of Latin." In later years, she became a familiar face on television, especially through her role on the BBC One dance competition, where she appears as a judge rather than a performer.