Strictly’s Shirley Ballas Shares Heartbreaking Update on Her Mum’s Health: “It’s a Slow Death” 💔
Shirley Ballas, head judge of the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about the heartbreaking reality of caring for her mother Audrey, 88, as she battles a painful and progressive lung condition.
The 65-year-old star, who has been a fixture on Strictly since 2017, revealed that her mum has been living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which causes the airways to narrow and makes breathing increasingly difficult. Shirley, who shares a home with her mother, has been managing the delicate balance of her caregiving responsibilities alongside her demanding TV career.
Sadly, Shirley shared that her mother’s condition continues to decline, stating, “It’s a slow regression, a slow death. My mum smoked for most of her life, and it’s catching up with her now.”
Audrey, who only stopped smoking when Shirley’s brother passed away, has now reached the point where she accepts the consequences of her choices, saying, “She’s nearly 90, she’s going to have a whisky and a smoke, and she knows what comes with it.”
The constant worry is a 24/7 concern for Shirley, who added, “If she gets a cold, it can turn into pneumonia. People don’t understand what it takes to care for someone with COPD.”
While Shirley’s personal life is filled with worry, she has also been in the spotlight recently for her career updates. The Strictly judge shared exciting news about joining Dancing With The Stars for a new spin-off, where she’ll judge contestants competing for a spot on the main show. Alongside her son, Mark Ballas, Shirley will help select dancers for the upcoming season.
Despite the ongoing difficulties at home, Shirley continues to find moments of joy in her career, all while caring deeply for her mother through these painful moments. 💖
