Discover the ups and downs of Shirley Ballas's love life as she shares her heartfelt story.
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Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about her intricate love life in a revealing interview. At 62, Shirley reflects on pivotal moments in her romantic journey, including a spontaneous elopement to the United States and her efforts to mend fences with her first husband.
But what really shaped her story?
Early Marriage and Impulsive Decisions
At just 18, Shirley tied the knot with Sammy Stopford, a man who was both her husband and dance partner. Their relationship blossomed for five fruitful years, during which they achieved notable success in the dance arena.
On a recent episode of James Martin’s ITV show, Shirley reminisced, “I got to know Sammy Stopford, and it was a meteoric rise at 17. I married Sammy at 18, we had five years together, and we won everything.
I was the youngest female to ever do that.” But happiness can be fleeting; Shirley’s joy took a sharp turn when she impulsively eloped with Corky Ballas, her new dance partner, leaving Sammy behind in Britain. Can you imagine such a dramatic shift at that age?
Shirley’s whirlwind decision to move to America didn’t last long. Just three months in, regret set in, prompting her to reach out to her first husband. However, she was met with a hard truth: “I called Sammy and said, ‘Can I come back?’ and he said ‘No’,” she recalled. This pivotal moment forced her to stay with Corky, navigating the fallout of her choices.
Life with Corky and Family
Shirley and Corky Ballas married in 1985, welcoming their son, Mark Ballas, a professional ballroom dancer, into the world just a year later. Yet, their marriage was not without its struggles, ultimately leading to their divorce in 2007. The split was the source of rampant speculation, including rumors that Corky had left Shirley for Kristina Rihanoff, a former professional dancer on Strictly. Kristina and Corky dated for five years post-divorce, but she has always denied being the reason for their marital troubles. How do you think they managed to keep things civil?
Despite the surrounding drama, both women maintain an amicable relationship. When asked about Kristina’s potential return to Strictly, Shirley responded with grace: “It would be absolutely fine. I have no issues with anybody being on the show at all.” Such maturity speaks volumes about her character and acceptance of the past.
Reflections on a Challenging Marriage
In her autobiography, Shirley lays bare the challenges she faced during her 22-year marriage to Corky. She shares the emotional toll it took on her, revealing that Corky had multiple girlfriends throughout their time together. “I gave up my life for that man,” she confessed. The hurtful remarks Corky made about her appearance were particularly painful, with Shirley recalling, “He’d say, ‘You’re too fat. What’s that mole on your chin? Your nose is crooked, you need a nose job. Your breasts are too small.'” These reflections illuminate the complexities of her relationship and the personal battles she fought.
Today, Shirley Ballas is on a path of self-discovery, navigating her career while coming to terms with her past. Her journey is a poignant reminder of the struggles many face in finding balance between personal happiness and professional ambitions. How do you reconcile your dreams with your relationships?
