Shirley Ballas Details Major Personal Sacrifices She’s Making To Ensure Strictly Goes Smoothly

She noted this means she’s being “extremely vigilant” with wearing a face covering and washing her hands, and is also questioning whether attending public events in the lead-up to Strictly is a good idea.

However, her biggest sacrifice involves her son, 35-year-old dancer and musician Mark Ballas, who she hasn’t seen in around two years.

“There’s a sacrifice to be made if we want to get through it for the people at home,” she explained. “So if I’m invited out to big events, I think twice. Like the NTAs [which take place on Thursday night] – do I really need to be there?”

Shirley added: “I was going to go to America to see my son, but I didn’t want to make that journey and take the risk in case I caught anything and couldn’t do the launch show.

“It’s my responsibility. This show is a big deal, so I will forgo seeing my boy.”