Shirley Ballas has prompted a call for 'change' to Strictly Come Dancing as she took a 'trip down memory lane' and showed fans just why she is qualified to be head judge on the BBC One dance contest.
Following a recent health scare, Shirley decided to look back on a time she fondly remembers. Taking to Instagram, the 63-year-old shared a video of her competing in the 1995 British Open World Dance Championships with former dance partner and ex-husband Corky Ballas.
Shirley and American ballroom dancer Corky scored their best when winning Professional Latin at the Blackpool Dance Festival in 1995 and 1996. The pair later moved to Houston, Texas to compete in the US. Their only child, professional ballroom dancer Mark Ballas, was born in 1986 before the couple divorced in 2007.
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Sharing the throwback clip with her 334,000 followers, Shirley said: "Remembering the 1995 Open to the World British Dance Championships on this #InternationalDanceDay… A result that was never expected… we became champions… Corky and Shirley became champions. I think our joy is evident, the work ethic paid off and love for dance is all we had."
She continued: "From winning the championship with Sammy Stopford in 1983 to dropping to the 2nd round when I first partnered Corky the following year, dedication and determination is all we had when no one believed we could. It took 12 long years but to win a second time even if we did have a cufflink issue mid way lol, and again in 1996, is something I’ll hold dear in my heart forever.
"To all out there, never let any one tell you can’t do something you love, that you are past your sell by date or that you’re not good enough. I WAS NOT LEAVING WITHOUT THAT TROPHY." She added: "Keep working hard you too can do great things. Enjoy this trip down memory lane."
Shirley's fans and followers were quick to respond, with the first saying: "I think Strictly should play videos of your dance experience before each season just to remind people you are a consummate professional who knows dance inside and out. You’re a champion, you’ve taught and mentored champions and your critiques reflect your knowledge, skill and passion for dance."
Another said: "You are an ASTONISHING dancer and teacher. What a moment." A third shared: "Great post Shirley. Lovely to look back at your past achievements along with your current achievements. What a fabulous dancer you are." A foruth added: "That was AMAZING!!!"
It comes after Shirley thanked fans for their kind words of support as she shared an update after sharing worrying news about her health. Last week, the dancer and TV star shared a photo of herself on social media last week after undergoing a biopsy following a routine mammogram.
But Shirley has now thanked those who supported her as she shared she'd received the all-clear for cancer. She shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday (April 30) as she shared her appreciation for the "well wishes". Shirley wrote: "I am feeling blessed to share that my results have come back all clear there is no cancer present Sharing the picture to my story last week very much triggered my emotions, but I feel it’s only right for me to share both the highs and the lows of life.
"If I was able to help just one lady, then sharing my picture was worth it. I got my recall while on holiday and I immediately cleared my diary to allow for the appointment. I urge all women to do the same." She added: "Please do not put your mammogram, smear test or in fact any appointment off. They really can change your life. Who knows what may have happened if I put mine off? Get booked, get checked, get your body MOT everyone. With immense gratitude to friends, family and fans who reached out. I appreciate you more than you know."
