BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas shares heartbreaking family loss and says 'I'll remember'

The head judge lost her brother David 20 years ago

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about her heartbreak 20 years after her brother's death. Shirley's brother David took his own life in 2003, aged just 44.

Shirley, 63, has since gone on to work with several charities including mental health charity CALM and Suicide&co bereavement support charity. Sharing the impact of his death as she urged anyone struggling to reach out for help, Shirley wrote on Instagram: "20 years ago today my dearest brother David took his own life. I lost my brother, my protector and my best friend.

"I’ll remember the dreaded knock on the front door forever. I can still picture the police officers standing there and I just knew something was wrong. “Mrs Rich” they said. I stepped aside and my mother stepped forward. From that moment, our worlds came crashing down.

Read moreStrictly's Shirley Ballas becomes a grandmother as son shares unusual name

"How time flies dearest David. Where have the years gone… you are truly missed on a daily basis. I’ll never really know why you went, but my mother and I talk about you often and you are never forgotten. Mary, your beautiful daughter, is doing you so very proud. She is strong, beautiful and she brings us so much joy.

"My work for @calmzone and @suicideandco will continue with you in the forefront of my mind. My Skyathlon was for you David. I zip lined, wing walked and I skydived for you David. I’ll continue to support others who are in dark places as I have learnt over the years there is light at the end of the tunnel. Continue to rest in peace David. Mum and I miss you so very much. Xxx

"For anyone struggling, please reach out in confidence to @calmzone on 0800 58 58 58. And for family and friends who need support after losing a loved one, please reach out to @suicideandco’s counselling service on 0800 054 8400."

Shirley was supported in the comments by fans who also shared their person experiences of suicide. P.zijtveld wrote: "Every year you post this ) I feel how the time goes ) 20 years snd still I see the grief in your eyes ) and in your moms eyes ) xxx. Sending hugs x x."

Suicideandco said: "Sending so much love to you and your loved ones today and always, Shirley. Know that we are here for you and anyone affected by suicide loss. We are so proud to work with you to spread the message that everyone has permission to grieve."

Bgtnw3 added: "I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad to suicide 30 years ago at 61. It’s such a heartbreaking circumstance for everyone. Much love to you and your family."

Read more Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas winner leaked weeks before show airs