Shirley Ballas has adopted a dog with a broken pelvis.
Shirley Ballas' new dog (c) Instagram
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge has been back in Los Angeles for less than a month but has already recruited a new family member as her son Mark - who is also a professional dancer - took her to the animal rescue centre Bark N' Bitches in California and she fell in love with a sweet pooch who is recovering from a traumatic injury.
Taking to her Instagram account last night (12.02.18), the 57-year-old ballroom dancer uploaded a photograph of her new pet fast asleep alongside the caption: "My son Mark took me to foster a rescue dog from Barks and bitches. Bertie had broken his pelvis and he is recovering. But Nanny and I have fast fallen in love with him. He is sooo sweet and kind. Even if he waddles when he walks. Welcome Bertie to our home. (sic)"
As well as looking after her new pooch, Shirley has been having acting lessons as she is desperate to land a role in pantomime - just like her co-star Craig Revel Horwood.
She said recently: "I'd love to do panto. I have started taking acting and singing lessons. It would be a true experience.
"I'd really love to do panto next year. Why not? You should take advantage of whatever opportunities come your way."
Shirley received mixed reviews when she claimed the head judge position on 'Strictly Come Dancing' last year - taking over from fan favourite Len Goodman - and, although she'd love to reclaim her seat this year, she doesn't know if bosses will want her back because of the backlash she initially got.
She said: "I've had the most spectacular time. There have been some things to get used to like Twitter and the press. But generally I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being on the show. As of yet, nothing has been decided. So we will wait and see...
"I'm quite a perfectionist. When I first came on and I had to judge the first show, it was terrifying. I take my job extremely seriously. You are totally under scrutiny. I go from week to week. I'm married to what I do. I think I did pretty good. I would probably give myself 'seven'. In anything you do there is room for improvement."
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