Shirley Ballas Unveils Reasons for Vowing Against Remarrying Following Wedding Cancellation
Shirley Ballas, 63, from Strictly, has been in a relationship since 2019 with her 53-year-old partner, whom she met during their roles in the pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Shirley Ballas shared the reasons behind her decision not to marry again following the cancellation of her wedding to fiancé Danny Taylor. The 63-year-old dance judge and her 53-year-old partner began their relationship in 2019 after meeting during a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. Despite their hectic schedules—Danny working as an actor and Shirley as the head judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing—the couple formed a strong bond and spent considerable time together.
Having been married twice before, Shirley’s first marriage to ballroom dancer Sammy Stopford lasted from 1980 to 1984. Following this, she married Corky Ballas just a year later, but the relationship ended in 2007. In the previous year, Shirley had disclosed her decision to postpone her wedding, expressing a desire to concentrate on travel and quality time with her loved ones.
Presently, Shirley has clarified her stance on marriage, stating, “Two marriages, an engagement, two long-term relationships later and I will not be getting married again. I’ve made the decision.”
Initially, when she delayed her wedding, she clarified her decision in an interview with MailOnline. Her explanation revolved around a change of heart, expressing that at this particular phase in her life, she and her mother had developed a strong bond and wished to embark on some travel adventures while pursuing various other interests.
In reference to their long-distance relationship, she elaborated, “Things are going well – both of us lead hectic lives, but we manage to stay in touch throughout the day, speaking several times. Even my mum engages in conversations with him.” Shirley and Danny’s engagement in 2021 occurred as Danny surprised her with a diamond ring.
Earlier, Shirley had emphasized the significance of communication in her relationship with Danny during a conversation with the Mirror. Reflecting on their busy schedules, she remarked, “I don’t think I excel in the relationship department. Danny and I are always caught up in our respective busy lives. Nevertheless, we maintain mutual respect, trust each other, and frequently connect via FaceTime. There’s a strong foundation of trust between us; he’s occupied, and I am too.”
Back in August, there were rumours about Shirley and Danny splitting up, causing a stir in their romance. However, the Strictly judge swiftly dismissed these reports online, affirming, “Danny, we’re still together after four and a half years. That’s miraculous. He has a very busy schedule, and I have a very busy schedule.
“He’s located in the North while I’m in the South, but somehow, we manage to make it work, which is a positive thing. What I admire most about Danny is his heart of gold and his tolerance for my lifestyle. I’m like the Tasmanian devil, all over the place.”
