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Shirley Ballas: Strictly's Glitz, Glamour, and Grief
8 May
Summary
- Shirley Ballas anticipates an exciting new season of Strictly Come Dancing.
- She cares for her mother, Audrey, who suffers from severe COPD.
- Ballas advocates for assisted dying and increased COPD research funding.
Shirley Ballas, head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, expresses immense excitement for the upcoming autumn season, calling it a 'rebirth' and a 'relaunch.' She notes the public's anticipation for the show's signature sparkle and family appeal.
Beyond the ballroom, Ballas is deeply involved in caring for her 88-year-old mother, Audrey, who battles chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ballas, an ambassador for Asthma & Lung UK, describes the daily worry and the physical toll COPD takes on her mother, who continues to smoke despite her condition.
The intense demands of caregiving are compounded by the constant threat of illness, as even a common cold can lead to severe complications like pneumonia for her mother. Ballas highlights the inadequacy of current support systems and calls for greater government investment in NHS research and better monitoring for COPD patients.
Furthermore, Ballas is a vocal proponent of the assisted dying bill, advocating for the right to choose a peaceful end for individuals with no hope of recovery facing prolonged, painful deaths. She believes that with proper monitoring, it offers a compassionate option for those in misery.
