Shirley Ballas is once again open to romance — and this time, she knows exactly what she’s looking for.

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas says she’s ‘had a date or two’ after splitting with boyfriend Danny Taylor just over a year ago

The Strictly Come Dancing head judge, 65, has confirmed she is officially back on the dating scene, more than a year after ending her relationship with actor Danny Taylor, 52, following the cancellation of their wedding.

As the old song goes, Shirley appears to be “in the mood for love” once again.

Shirley met Danny while they worked on the same pantomime in 2016, but she confirmed the end of their relationship last year.

“I may have had a date or two,” she admits candidly, revealing that after stepping back from romance to focus on caring for her mother Audrey, 88, she is now open to new possibilities.

“I know my truth. I know my authentic self,” Shirley says. “If I want to go out on a date, I will go. Nothing serious. No labels, no tags.”

Love Can Wait — Strictly Comes First

The Strictly head judge has been married twice, first to Sammy Stopford from 1980 to 1984, and then to Corky Ballas (pictured) from 1985 to 2007

Any romantic plans will have to pause briefly, however, as Shirley is preparing to embark on the Strictly Come Dancing Live arena tour, performing 30 shows across the UK in front of packed crowds of more than 10,000 people.

“I love meeting the audiences,” she says warmly. “I want to give as much time as I can to the people who come to see us, because without them, we wouldn’t have a show like we do.”

She joined Strictly as head judge in 2017, won viewers over immediately with her expert knowledge, strict standards and Scouse warmth

Between touring, teaching, adjudicating, and sharing a home with Audrey in southeast London, Shirley has still managed to make time for a little flirtation.

“I’ve met several nice people over the years,” she explains. “If somebody asks me out and I like them, I go. If I don’t, I don’t bother. But I am very careful. I’ll have known them for a while.”

A Life Shaped by Love and Loss

Shirley ended her relationship with Danny six months after they called off their wedding

Shirley was first married to ballroom dancer Sammy Stopford from 1980 to 1984, before tying the knot with her dance partner Corky Ballas in 1985. Together, they became champions of the ballroom world before separating in 2007.

Shirley’s main focus is still her mother, Audrey, who is ‘in remission from cancer and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]’

She joined Strictly Come Dancing as head judge in 2017, quickly winning viewers over with her expertise, high standards and unmistakable Scouse warmth. She later met Danny Taylor while appearing in the same pantomime in 2016, but confirmed their split in late 2024.

So what is she searching for now?

“Humour,” Shirley says. “And intellect.”

Revealing the secret to her slim physique she said: ‘I juice throughout the day and have only one meal. I’m the slimmest I’ve been since 2017. I do hotpod yoga every day and get quite upset if I can’t do it. That is my sanctuary’

Generosity matters too. “I’ve always been the person who pays for everybody, so it’s quite nice when someone says, ‘No, I’ve got this.’ Somebody smart, well kept, who takes care of themselves. I like that kind of guy.”

Discipline, Health — and One Chocolate at a Time

The man who catches Shirley’s eye will be dating someone exceptionally organised.

Speaking about going away on tour, Shirley said: ‘There’s always somebody around. I check in on Mum every couple of hours. She thinks I’m a total pain in the a***’

“I juice throughout the day and have one meal,” she reveals. “I’m the slimmest I’ve been since 2017.  I do hotpod yoga every day — it’s my sanctuary.”

Her diet is strict, though not joyless. “If I’m in my mum’s bedroom, she has a whole box of Quality Street — but I’ll just have one. Self-discipline is key.”

She adds: “I never leave the house without making my bed. I tidy before the cleaner comes. I write lists. I’m never late.”

As for Dry January? “I don’t really drink much anyway, but if I go on a date, maybe a nice bottle of wine and a brandy with one ice cube.”

Family Comes First

In regards to the scandals she added: ‘I don’t think anything taints the show,’ she says, defiantly. ‘We’re still thriving. We’ve still got a 54 per cent share of the TV audience’

Despite her openness to love, Shirley’s main focus remains her mother Audrey, who is in remission from cancer and also lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“She’s doing the best one can do for an 88-year-old,” Shirley says.

Touring doesn’t worry her. “There’s always someone around. My best friend of 60 years lives across the road. I check in on Mum every couple of hours — she thinks I’m a total pain in the a***.”

Strictly, Scandals — and Standing Firm

Shirley’s fellow judge Anton Du Beke has made no secret of the fact he’d love to host, as his hero once did

Addressing the controversies that have surrounded Strictly, Shirley is unapologetically defiant.

“I don’t think anything taints the show,” she insists. “We’re still thriving. We’ve still got a 54 per cent share of the TV audience.”

On allegations involving former professionals, she is clear: “I only go by what I see. If I don’t see it, as my mother says, ‘Shut your gob, Shirley.’”

Her message to viewers is simple: “If you think the show is icky, switch it off. If you enjoy it, keep watching.”

Still Dancing, Still Standing

With extra tour dates added due to overwhelming demand, it appears the public has firmly voted in Strictly’s favour.

Shirley, escorted on tour by her trusted friend George — “my mini-bodyguard” — says she feels lucky, grateful and excited.

“Fans queue from four in the morning in the cold just for a cuddle and a photo. I think that’s wonderful,” she says.

As for what lies ahead? “It’s a little holiday, a chance to meet people — and I love every minute of it.”