Shirley Ballas has celebrated a special occasion today. The Strictly Come Dancing judge has been inundated with birthday messages for her 65th birthday. A number of Strictly stars and fans have shared special tributes for Shirley. On Instagram Shirley uploaded a video holding two huge colourful helium number 6 and number 5 balloons. She captioned the post: “Feeling rather grateful today… thank you for the overwhelming outpouring of love from you all on my 65th birthday.”
The 65-year-old will be returning to our screens later this month as the new series of Strictly is set to get underway in just a few weeks time.
A former British Open to the World Champion, European, German, UK, USA and International Latin American Champion, her list of accolades is incredible and reflects why she is a well-deserved judge on the BBC dance show.
The Wallasey-born star joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, taking over as Head Judge after Len Goodman stepped down. Her first appearance was on the launch show of that year, and she continues to be a judge on the BBC series.
The love received by Shirley today has shown how appreciated she is by her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars, including the professional dancers and fellow judges.
Shirley has shared several messages to her Instagram stories this evening, September 6. One photo was of of Strictly judge Anton Du Beke giving her a kiss on the cheek. The text accompanying the photo said: “Birthday kiss from Mr Anton Du Beke @BBCStrictly let the fun begin.”
Reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Dianne Buswell shared a video of the TV judge blowing out birthday candles from a birthday cake this morning at the dance studios, as she wrote “Happy birthday Shirley Ballas.”
A further video shared by Shirley was a thank you to fans. She said: “Hi everyone I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for all the beautiful messages, they are absolutely fabulous.
“Today I am going to be spending it with my driver George, we’ve known each other a long time, he drives me to and from Strictly safely and gets me all over the country.”
Ruth Langsford sent “Happy Birthday Shirley! Welcome to the club” and last year’s Strictly contestant Sarah Hadland wrote “Happy birthday Shirley, you are a legend”, under Shirley’s Instagram post.
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley posted “HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY. have a absolute ball babes” and Loose Women’s Denise Welch wrote “Have a wonderful day.”
Strictly Come Dancing is back on iPlayer and BBC One from Saturday 20 September 2025. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas all return to the judging panel.