Strictly's Shirley Ballas in tears after daring challenge in tribute to brother
Shirley Ballas, the 62-year-old Strictly Come Dancing judge, was left her visibly moved and was seen wiping away tears after landing following a daring 700ft wing walk.
Shirleytook to the skies on Thursday, strapped atop a propeller plane that ascended from Headcorn Airfield near Ashford in Kent. Upon completing this daunting challenge, she was warmly embraced by her partner, Daniel Taylor.
Shirley confessed: "That was difficult and tough. I had to mentally be in a strong place to even climb up on the plane, never mind be strapped to it. But I'm so glad I did it."
This wing walk marks the second part of Shirley's Skyathlon challenge. Earlier in the week, she flew through the air on the world's fastest zipline across Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales.
Shirley Ballas during her wing walk at 700ft (PA Wire)The final leg of her challenge will see her skydiving from a staggering height of 13,000ft above Peterborough on Saturday. When asked about her upcoming feat, she told PA News: "This whole week has been quite terrifying for me, but I will do it because I have promised to do it for everybody and all of their loved ones, but the thought of jumping out of an aeroplane at 13,000ft, with a 2,000ft freefall ... all I keep thinking about is will the parachute open?"
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"So, I'm a bit nervous about that actually I'm very nervous!" confessed the professional dancer, who has bravely taken on a trio of challenges in support of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm).
The dancer turned ambassador for Calm revealed her personal connection to the cause, stating she "wanted to do more" for her brother, who tragically took his own life around two decades ago.
Shirley Ballas celebrates upon landing after completing her wing walk (PA Wire)Shirley, a renowned ballroom dancer, teacher, and adjudicator, is best known as the head judge on the BBC dance competition show Strictly. She leverages this platform to further the discussion around mental health, a topic close to her heart.
With her Skyathlon challenge, Ballas aims to raise an impressive £30,000 for Calm. The charity provides lifesaving services, including a 24-hour helpline and webchat, offering a lifeline to those in need.
If you’re struggling, talk to CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (UK) or through our webchat. Our trained support workers are available from 5 pm to midnight every day to provide practical support and advice, whatever you’re going through. To find out more about CALM , our services or for support or advice visit thecalmzone.net
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up The Mirror's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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