BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas is a grandmother as son shares baby news and unique name
Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas previously shared her excitement at becoming a 'glam-ma' for the first time while on BBC Breakfast
by Harry Rutter · The MirrorShirley Ballas is officially a grandmother as the Strictly Come Dancing judge's son shares extremely exciting baby news.
The 63-year-old's only child Mark Ballas, shared with ex-husband Corky Ballas, has welcomed his first child with wife BC Jean. The former Dancing With The Stars professional recently revealed they'd welcomed a son, born back in November.
"Welcome to Earth my son," Mark shared on social media before revealing their child's interesting name, Banksi Wylde Ballas. He added: "Banksi Wylde Ballas 11 / 5 / 23." Wife BC also shared an image of the growing family, writing: "Banksi Wylde Ballas Joined us earthside 11-5-23. Happy one month sweet boy You are so loved." [sic]
It was earlier this year that Shirley first announced her excitement at becoming a grandma, telling the BBC she was gearing up to "be a glam-ma for the first time". She told BBC Breakfast: "My son is in Los Angeles so where there's a will there's a way, as with my challenges."
Mark and BC's baby news comes after heartbreak last year. Writing on Instagram in October 2022, Shirley's son said they were due to become parents, but "during one of our check ups we received the heavy news that our little one's heart had stopped beating".
He added: "We've both been through some things in our lives, but this was a different + unique kind of sadness that was pretty soul-shattering." The couple wrote a song about their heartbreaking experience, called Rainbow, as they prepared to welcome their firstborn.
It comes after news that Shirley is to appear in a shock Doctor Who cameo. Russell T Davies revealed the Strictly judge is due to make a guest appearance in the upcoming series. She is "very excited" for the public to see her in the iconic show.
Appearing alongside the screenwriter and producer Davies on BBC Morning Live last month, the pair talked about the upcoming episodes. The new series of the long-running BBC show is due to start over the festive period, with Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor and Millie Gibson playing his companion Ruby Sunday.
Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones teased Davies that there was someone else in the studio who could "potentially" be on Doctor Who. He then replied: "Do you mean the top secret information that Shirley Ballas is going to appear in Doctor Who?"
Shirley then said: "The filming was one of the best days of my life. We’re doing a guest appearance with Jojo (Strictly professional Johannes Radebe) where I actually get to perform with Jojo and so many other dancers on the show, so I’m very, very excited for people to watch."
Russell joked that he made sure he was there on set on the day Shirley was filming as there was "no way" that he could miss the iconic moment. Ahead of the new series, three special episodes will be aired to mark the 60th anniversary of the show.
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If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at the Miscarriage Association. You can call them on 01924 200799 or email info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk