Shirley Ballas opens about her unhappy marriage to ex-husband Corky Ballas in BBC Two’s Womanhood this week.
The Strictly Come Dancing star recalls her troubled past and how she still carries the scars many years on.
Here’s everything you need to know about her previous marriage to ex-husband Corky Ballas.
Read more: Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas once ‘punched’ an alleged love rival
What is Shirley Ballas famous for?
Shirley Ballas found fame as a ballroom dancer and dance teacher.
She specialised in the International Latin division during her career, where she won several championship titles which earned her the nickname The Queen of Latin.
Of course, Shirley is best known for being the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
In 2017, the BBC appointed her as head judge on the BBC TV show following the departure of Len Goodman.
She’s been twice-married and twice-divorced and has a son called Mark, who is also a professional ballroom dancer.
How old is Shirley Ballas and where is she from?
Shirley Annette Rich was born on September 06 1960 in Wallasey, Cheshire.
She is currently 61 years of age.
Read more: Shirley Ballas gives health update following tests after fans notice arm lump
Who has Shirley Ballas been married to apart from ex-husband Corky?
In 1980, Shirley Ballas married her dance partner Sammy Stopford when was only 19 years old.
They won at various competitions, including the Professional Latin at Blackpool Dance Festival in 1983.
However, the couple split just four years after tying the knot.
Despite their split, Shirley and Sammy have remained close over the years.
Shirley Ballas ex-husband Corky Ballas
It didn’t take long for the Strictly star to move on to her second husband, Corky Ballas.
A year after her split from Sammy, she married professional dance partner Corky in 1985.
After being married for over two decades, Shirley and Corky officially went their separate ways in 2007.
It’s reported Corky left Shirley for former Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff.
I gave up my life for that man
Shirley has previously spoken out about her 22-year tumultuous marriage to Corky.
In her book, she claimed: “He had multiple girlfriends, even when I moved to America.
“I gave up my life for that man.
“He’d say ‘You’re too fat. What’s that mole on your chin? Your nose is crooked, you need a nose job. Your breasts are too small.'”
In Womanhood on BBC Two, Shirley looks through their wedding photo album.
The album prompts her to recall how her ex-husband ‘controlled her lifestyle’.
During their marriage, Shirley and Corky also welcomed a son named Mark, who has followed in their footsteps and is a professional dancer.
Shirley Ballas ex-husband Corky – who is their famous son?
Shirley’s son with ex-husband Corky Ballas is Mark Ballas.
Mark is famous in his own right as a dancer, choreographer, actor and singer-songwriter.
The 35-year-old is currently a professional ballroom dancer on the ABC program Dancing with the Stars.
Is Shirley Ballas dating now? Does she have a partner?
Thankfully, Shirley has found love again with new boyfriend Daniel Taylor, 48.
She met Danny when they were both appearing together in pantomime in Liverpool.
At the time, she said: “Nobody should ever give up on love.
“I think I had. And then I met Danny.
“But to everyone out there, and anyone still looking, you never know what’s round the corner.”
Danny is best known for acting in the West End, but he’s also appeared in TV roles including Brookside and The Bill.
He’s also a trained dancer.
David has a son with actress Sharon Byatt.
Womanhood on BBC Two – what’s it about?
Six famous women spanning different age ranges, background and experience come together in Leeds.
Their aim? To tackle some of the mostly hotly contested issues affecting women today.
News presenter Kirsty Wark brings together six well-known women to spend a week exploring issues concerning women today.
Topics include cosmetic surgery, relationships, childcare, sexuality, sexual consent, the trans community and safety on the streets.
It’s a thought-provoking film, that often enforces that women’s place in society remains as beset with challenges as ever.
Broadcaster Kirsty Wark hosts the BBC Two show.
Strictly judge Shirley Ballas joins Kirsty, as does writer Chidera Eggerue, businesswoman Jacqueline Gold, singer Sinitta Malone, and comedian Suzi Ruffell.
In Womanhood, Shirley struggles to accept a young woman monetising her sexuality.
How many episodes is it and how can I watch it?
Womanhood on BBC Two is a feature-length episode and a one-off.
The 90-minute show will air on Friday November 26 2021 at 9pm on BBC Two.
It will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer immediately afterwards.
Womanhood airs on Friday November 26 2021 at 9pm on BBC Two.
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