Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas, 65, has revealed she would rather live with her 89-year-old mother, Audrey Rich, than with a man again — reflecting on past heartbreaks and hard lessons in love.
Shirley has shared a London home with Audrey for four years, splitting chores like cooking and cleaning in a harmonious routine she contrasts with previous relationships. “Living with her is the most joyous thing,” she said. “She does the washing and ironing, and still stands on a stool to clean her ornaments — though I wish she wouldn’t. She puts meals on the table, like vegetable casseroles, and I take care of the rest. We are a bit like husband and wife.”
Opening up about past partners, Shirley admitted she often found herself taking care of men who didn’t reciprocate, but with her mother, independence and mutual respect define their bond. “She never tells me what to say or do,” Shirley explained.
Her last serious relationship was with West End star Danny Taylor, 53, whom she was engaged to for six years before they split in late 2024. Shirley described his “unforgivable behaviour,” including disappearing during her 64th birthday celebrations, which triggered painful memories of her brother David’s tragic death at 44.
Despite these challenges, Shirley is open to love in the future. “I love the idea of being married, even after two failed marriages and failed relationships along the way. But at this age, you get set in your ways,” she said. Currently single, she has a few friends but no one she would classify as a boyfriend.
Through heartache, loss, and the trials of love, Shirley Ballas continues to embrace life on her terms, finding joy, stability, and laughter alongside the woman who has always been there for her — her mother.
