Shirley Ballas and former fiancé Danny Taylor had a rather up-and-down romance.
The pair first met in 2018, and went on to get engaged in 2021. However, last year, it was reported that the pair had split after six years. And just last weekend, actor Danny was seen with a new mystery woman at Linda Nolan’s funeral.
So, with Danny appearing to have moved on, we’re taking a look at the obstacles he faced with Shirley during their romance – from spending time apart to comments about their age gap.
Shirley Ballas and Danny Taylor ‘split’
In November, a source told The Sun of Shirley and Danny’s relationship: “She gave her all to that relationship and in the end came to the realisation that it wasn’t going anywhere. She made a lot of effort to see Danny and support his theatre and panto work, travelling up and down the country.
“Shirley lives in London with her mother and Danny remains based in Liverpool; that commute is a killer. But Shirley is a strong, resilient character and is looking better than ever. She will 100% bounce back – 2025 promises to be an absolute corker for her.”
Shirley then confirmed their split in December. The Strictly judge was on the Great Company podcast when she spoke about her split from her last boyfriend Danny Taylor, reports The Sun.
Confirming that she “just split” with her former boyfriend, the dancer confessed: “My relationships have been a disaster, all the way along the line.”
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Shirley and Danny on spending weeks apart
In August 2023, Shirley opened up about having to spend time apart from Danny due to their work commitments. The star is no stranger to discussing the pair’s “busy” schedules.
As a result of this, Shirley and Danny had to squash rumours that they weren’t together on a few occasions.
She told the Mirror of them having to be apart: “I don’t think I do too well on the relationship side. Danny and I are always busy. But, we have have respect, we have trust, we have FaceTime so we’re constantly talking to each other.
“We do want we can, we a holiday together at the beginning of the year on the MSC cruise line, which was wonderful. But I don’t think I’m going get to see him now for another five or six weeks.”
Marriage U-turn
Shirley and Danny announced their engagement in 2021. However, last year, the Strictly judge made the decision that they wouldn’t tie the knot.
Talking on Alan Carr‘s Life’s A Beach podcast in January, Shirley revealed: “Two marriages, an engagement, two long-term relationships later and I will not be getting married again.
“I’ve made the decision.”
‘Offensive’ toyboy name
Throughout their relationship, Danny was often referred to as Shirley’s “toyboy” because of their 13-year age gap.
However, it’s a term that she previously said she finds “offensive”.
Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2022, Shirley said: “If a man dates a younger girl, it’s absolutely fine; if a woman dates a younger man, they call him her toyboy. I find that offensive.
“He is the most remarkable man and is close to 50. He’s getting there, and keeps saying to me: ‘Don’t you go pushing my age up.'”
Danny seen with mystery woman at Linda’s funeral
The funeral of Linda Nolan took place on Saturday (February 1) at St Paul’s Church in Blackpool.
A large crowd of family, friends and fans all gathered outside to pay their respects – including Danny who previously worked with Linda.
At the service, Danny was accompanied by an unknown redhead. He was dressed in a black suit and appeared emotional over Linda’s passing.
His companion rocked a fur-trimmed black coat and black heels. She was seen offering support to Danny by linking arms with him before entering the church together.
ED! has contacted Danny’s representatives for comment.
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