Shirley Ballas may need spinal surgery after her back has "deteriorated" over the last year.
Shirley Ballas may need spinal surgery after her back has 'deteriorated' over the last year
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' head judge is currently preparing for the next series of the BBC's Latin and ballroom competition - which returns on Saturday (14.09.24) - but she has now revealed she could need surgery after suffering from back pain which has worsened over the last 12 months.
She told OK! magazine: “I’ve been to see three specialists, and I may need surgery. It’s not a choice; I will have to get it sorted.
"It can wait until after 'Strictly' because I have a high tolerance for pain anyway, and it’s something I’ve been living with for many, many years, but it’s just deteriorated over the course of the last year."
The 64-year-old dancing champion also explained that she has explored the best options for treatment with her back from around the world and is relying on her friends and family for support during this challenging time.
She added: “I’m on it like a car bonnet. I am working and making sure I’m seeing the best people on both sides of the Atlantic — in the United States and here. My whole family’s involved in it, and I have some great people with some great advice."
Despite her pain, Shirley is committed to staying in her role in the hit dancing show and has reassured 'Strictly' fans of this, but has realised that she is going to have to look after herself more while her back continues to be an issue.
She quipped: "You’d have to shovel me out of my chair. I'm going to sit in that chair for as long as they’ll have me.
“It’s time to not work such long hours. I stand on my feet all day, from morning till night, teaching and coaching. That’s the part I’m going to have to take a little bit of a step back from.”