All posts tagged: Ballas

Mark Ballas gives his verdict on Maura Higgins joining Dancing with the Stars and his 3-word piece of advice — exclusive

Mark Ballas gives his verdict on Maura Higgins joining Dancing with the Stars and his 3-word piece of advice — exclusive

Published by Daniella Wilson

From the castle to the ballroom, Maura Higgins is set to make a splash in the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars. After becoming a nationwide star during her run on season four of The Traitors, which saw her go all the way to the end as the very last Faithful standing (before being blindsided by Rob Rausch), the Irish TV star is set to put on her best dancing shoes. © Getty ImagesMark Ballas and Maura Higgins participated together on season four of “The Traitors” Maura, 35, was the first celebrity contestant announced to participate in the upcoming 35th season of Dancing with the Stars, joining fellow Faithful and longtime DWTS pro Mark Ballas in the ballroom. Speaking exclusively with HELLO! at the 79th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 7 in New York City, which he attended with wife BC Jean, Mark, 40, shared what piece of advice he’d given to Maura ahead of her DWTS debut, simply put: “Just enjoy it.” Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: The cast of season 4 of …

Strictly’s Shirley Ballas says joyous life with mother is a stark contrast to past relationships

Strictly’s Shirley Ballas says joyous life with mother is a stark contrast to past relationships

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has revealed that living with her 88-year-old mother, Audrey Rich, is “the most joyous thing,” a stark contrast to her experiences with past boyfriends whom she often found herself “having to take care of”. Speaking to The Telegraph from her south-east London home, Ballas described her mother as “self-sufficient,” highlighting her active role in their shared household. “Living with her is the most joyous thing, she does the washing and the ironing, and still stands on a stool to clean her ornaments – though I wish she wouldn’t,” Ballas said. “She puts the meals on the table, things like vegetable casseroles, and I take care of the rest. We are a bit like husband and …

Mark Ballas on his controversial final freestyle with Whitney Leavitt: ‘It had nothing to do with DWTS’

Mark Ballas on his controversial final freestyle with Whitney Leavitt: ‘It had nothing to do with DWTS’

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Mark Ballas has returned to Broadway after a celebrated season on Dancing With the Stars — even if it didn’t turn out as many had hoped. Ballas, 39, the son of head Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, is a three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner; his most recent victory came with partner Charli D’Amelio in 2022, ending a 13-year draught that saw him take multiple breaks from the competition series. After his last win, he announced his retirement from the show, citing the toll it took on his body. But he returned for season 34 in 2025 with a vengeance, partnering with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt to deliver some of the most talked-about routines of the season. Ballas is now starring on Broadway in Chicago, playing Billy Flynn opposite Leavitt as Roxie Hart in a creative partnership …

Mark Ballas addresses fan theory that Traitors co-star Kristen Kish will be his next DWTS partner

Mark Ballas addresses fan theory that Traitors co-star Kristen Kish will be his next DWTS partner

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Mark Ballas has heard the rumors and is ready to give some answers. Fans of the Dancing With the Stars pro have been calling for his return to the ballroom for another season, but this time opposite his Traitors season four castmate, Top Chef host Kristen Kish. As with many reality shows in 2026, crossover from one franchise to another is to be expected. Fans have pleaded their cases for who from their favorite series they want to see land in the DWTS ballroom or The Traitors mansion next, even making TikTok petitions to gain momentum. When Ballas, 39, sat down with The Independent to chat about his return to Broadway in Chicago, and reflect on The Traitors, he confirmed that he had seen the fan theories about himself and Kish — but quickly dashed any hopes of a future pairing. …

Shirley Ballas sparks Strictly Come Dancing exit speculation after ‘landing new job’ in the US

Shirley Ballas sparks Strictly Come Dancing exit speculation after ‘landing new job’ in the US

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter The next series of Strictly Come Dancing will be fronted by two new hosts – and fans are now wondering if the BBC could be searching for a new judge too. Shirley Ballas, who joined as head judge in 2017, has sparked speculation that she could be about to exit the programme after reportedly landing a huge new job in the US. The 65-year-old is said to be in talks to head stateside and serve as a judge on Dancing with the Stars: the Next Pro, an upcoming spin-off of the US version of Strictly. The show will chart the hunt for a new addition to the US cast and Ballas is reportedly in the running for a spot on the panel alongside her son, Mark, who has been a professional dancer in 21 series of Dancing with the Stars. Its …

Shirley Ballas opens up on Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly departure from Strictly

Shirley Ballas opens up on Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly departure from Strictly

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has admitted her “surprise” at the announcement that long-serving hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly would be stepping down after 11 years. The 65-year-old described the news as “sad”, following the popular presenting duo’s confirmation of their departure in a joint Instagram statement in October this year. Winkleman, 53, and Daly, 56, had fronted the beloved BBC One series together since 2014, with their final joint appearance during its pre-recorded festive episode, which aired on Christmas Day. Speaking in an interview with Saga Magazine for its January issue, Ballas conveyed she would miss the hosting duo, and spoke about when they announced their departure from the show. She said: “Everyone was surprised. I share the changing room next to them, and they are full of giggles and laughter. “They also showed me the way …