Strictly's Shirley Ballas eyes-up major move after becoming a gran

11 December 2023 , 08:34

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Shirley Ballas will not be a parttime granny

Shirley Ballas could be set to swap England for Los Angeles to be closer to her grandchild.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge became a gran for the first time when her son, fellow dancer Mark and his singer-songwriter wife BC Jean welcomed their first child last month. But Shirley, 63, doesn't believe the odd trip to the City of Angels is enough and she has no plans of being a "part-time" granny.

But Wirral-born Shirley admits that she is financially secure enough to be able to spend a large portion of the year Stateside while keeping her place in the UK.

Shirley Ballas has hinted she could be preparing to leave the UK to spend more time with her son, his wife and her grandson (Mediapunch/REX/Shutterstock)

In a new interview, she told OK! magazine: "I want to be there as much as I can be, as much as his mum and dad will allow me to be part of the baby's life. I could spend six months there and six months here – and I can afford to. I don't want to miss out on my grandbaby. That is instilled in my head."

But she admits that she won't be hanging up her Strictly shoes any time soon due to her work endeavours in the UK. She went on to tell OK! Magazine: "I'd never want to leave Strictly, I'll be on TV and on the tour for as long as they'll have me, I love Strictly. It's like a day at Disneyland for me.

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"When it's 'Lights, camera, action,' I forget everything that's gone on the week but it's just on a weekend, I can always fly to the States on a Monday and come back on a Friday!" Earlier this week, Mark who recently walked away from Dancing With The Stars announced via Instagram that he and BC are parents.

Mark and BC welcomed Baksi Wylde Ballas last month (Instagram)

Shirley admits she's financially stable enough to spend six months on each side of the Atlantic (Getty Images for The National Lo)

"Welcome to Earth my son," Mark shared on social media before revealing their child's interesting name, Banksi Wylde Ballas. He added: "Banksi Wylde Ballas 11 / 5 / 23." Wife BC also shared an image of the growing family, writing: "Banksi Wylde Ballas Joined us earthside 11-5-23. Happy one month sweet boy You are so loved." [sic]

Celebrities were quick to congratulate the couple with The Pussycat Dolls star Kimberly Wyatt penning: "Congratulations!! Welcome baby Banksi!" While her bandmate Carmit Bachar added: "Congratulations."

Shirley has previously opened up about the brutal social media comments she receives after an episode of the show but admits a "debrief" from her mum can often be scarier if she's said something she doesn't agree with.

Daniel Bird