Strictly’s Shirley Ballas has opened her heart in a raw and emotional interview, revealing the painful truth about her split from ex-fiancé Danny Taylor. The professional dancer, renowned for her poised presence on Strictly Come Dancing, shared how her relationship left her “constantly worrying,” haunted by memories of her late brother, David, who tragically took his own life in 2003.
Shirley, who’s had her fair share of heartbreak—married twice and engaged four times—admitted that her relationship with Danny was fraught with troubling signs. “I was always frightened he was going to take his own life,” she confessed, recounting how Danny would vanish for days, leaving her in a state of deep anxiety. She recounted a particularly devastating incident where Danny disappeared on her birthday, leaving her distraught. The constant emotional rollercoaster triggered painful memories from her past, and the relationship became too much to bear.
Reflecting on the toll it took, Shirley shared, “It just got to a point where it was so upsetting every time it happened, that I just decided to call it a day.” Her decision to break things off was not just for her peace of mind, but also for the sake of her mother, who had endured her own trauma. Shirley’s words revealed the immense emotional burden of trying to support someone who continually hurt her.
Shirley’s heartache, however, didn’t just come from a relationship that drained her. The episodes of Danny disappearing without warning mirrored the pain she felt after losing her brother. “All those memories came flooding back… it triggered all these emotions,” she said, a painful reminder of her past struggles.
Despite her past wounds, Shirley is resolute in her future. “I will never forget that day until the day I die. I remember looking across in the middle of the night and I saw my mother was just so upset, reliving all of her trauma,” she recalled. Now, Shirley has vowed to remain single, distancing herself from labels like “boyfriend” or “fiancé,” focusing instead on her well-being and recovery.
Her split with Danny marks another chapter in her turbulent love life. From her first marriage to ballroom star Sammy Stopford at just 19, to her long-lasting but ultimately broken union with dancer Corky Ballas, Shirley’s love life has always been a complex affair. However, she is clear now more than ever that she’s prioritizing herself.
Shirley’s honesty about her heartbreak and struggles is not just a testament to her strength, but also a reminder that no matter how glamorous the outside world may seem, everyone carries their own battles. She may have suffered setbacks in love, but her determination to heal and move forward is unwavering.
