Strictly’s Shirley Ballas dealt fresh blow as she slashes ticket prices for show after fiance split
STRICTLY Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has been dealt a fresh blow in the wake of her split.
The TV star has been hit by a huge reduction in ticket prices to her upcoming one-woman show in the heart of ballroom – Blackpool.
Shirley, aged 64, has seen the prices slashed by a whopping 75% despite it taking place the night before the BBC show comes to town for their annual live show.
Taking place at Blackpool’s Conference and Exhibition Centre, the price of a ticket was originally listed at £30 but in a crushing blow, they are now being shelled out for a bargain £7.50.
The venue is understood to hold a full capacity of 7,000 but it is not clear how many tickets were listed for Shirley’s impending show.
The Mail Online reports that the tickets are currently being flogged on a website often used by struggling artists and performers to sell tickets at cheaper prices in order to fill seats.
The publication further adds that buyers have the option to buy up to 50 tickets in one purchase suggesting a large availability remaining with just days to go.
A synopsis for the upcoming show posted online, reads: “Step into a world of mystery and intrigue with the queen of the ballroom, Shirley Ballas, at Winter Gardens Blackpool.
“On the eve of Strictly Come Dancing’s live filming at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Shirley invites you to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at her captivating follow-up novel, Dance To The Death.
“Join us for an intimate evening where Shirley will share insights into her latest work, part of the sensational Sequin Mysteries series.”
The news comes just days after it was revealed that the Strictly curse had struck once again – this time for the head judge of the BBC show.
The Sun exclusively revealed how Shirley had called time on her romance to actor Danny Taylor, 51, after a six-year romance.
Shirley and Danny became engaged in 2021 but the romance is now officially over for good.
News of their split comes six months after Shirley, 64, revealed the pair had called off their engagement – but were still together.
Last night a source said: “As with any break-up, it is, of course, a very sad situation.
“She gave her all to that relationship and in the end came to the realisation that it wasn’t going anywhere. She made a lot of effort to see Danny and support his theatre and panto work, travelling up and down the country.
“Distance also played its part – Shirley lives in London with her mother and Danny remains based in Liverpool; that commute is a killer.
“But Shirley is a strong, resilient character and is looking better than ever. She will 100% bounce back – 2025 promises to be an absolute corker for her.”
The couple remain friends and still follow one another on social media. They haven’t posted together, however.
The couple met in panto in 2018, appearing in Jack and the Beanstalk.
Strictly stars at risk of the axe in 2025
Gorka Marquez joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2016 when he was partnered with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson. The following year he was partnered with singer Alexandra Burke. They reached the final and finished as one of the runners-up.
In 2020, he was partnered with actress Maisie Smith. Again, he made it to the final and finished as a runner-up.
He failed to make it third time lucky in 2022, finishing runner-up again with Helen Skelton.
Nadiya Bychkova joined the show in 2017 with EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami. The pair reached Week 11, finishing in 6th place.
Her best performance to date came in 2021 when she finished fifth with Dan Walker.
Neil Jones has been without a celebrity partner more times than he’s had one since joining in 2016.
His best finish was with ex-footballer Alex Scott in 2019, finishing in fifth.
Katya Jones was another 2016 addition and made an instant impression with politician Ed Balls. Their Gangnam Style routine is still a favourite to this day.
In 2017 she lifted the Glitterball with Joe McFadden.
The following year she was at the heart of a show scandal after snogging her dance partner, the comedian Seann Walsh.
Karen Hauer has been an ever-present since 2012.
Despite her lengthy association with the show, she’s never lifted the Glitterball. The closest she came was in 2020 when she finished runner-up with Jamie Laing.