Behind the sequins - Shirley Ballas

Leave it all on the floor...

In Behind the Sequins, Queen of Latin and Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Shirley Ballas, leads us through her dramatic and determined life, from growing up on a rough estate on the Wirral and leaving home at 14 years old, to conquering the high-octane world of Ballroom and coping with betrayal, bullying, two broken marriages and a personal tragedy that left Shirley and her family devastated.

Shirley Ballas has enjoyed a spectacular dance career spanning more than 40 years - she has Cha-Cha'd her way across the world's dance floors to become a multi-award-winning Latin and Ballroom champion, and one of the most renowned dancers in the world. In 1996, Shirley retired from competitive dancing to become a
highly acclaimed coach and teacher.

Speaking from the heart, Shirley leaves her dancing shoes at the door to tell you the story of a fiery, strong-willed grafter, who danced through everything life threw at her and was never afraid to leave it all on the floor.

Shirley Ballas is one of the most renowned dancers in the world. A former British Open to the World Champion, and European, German, UK, USA and International Latin American Champion, her list of accolades is vast and extraordinary.

Born and raised in Wallasey, by the age of 21 Shirley had won nearly every major title she competed in. She is still the youngest ever female to reach the British Open to the World Dance Championship finals and the only woman to win it with two male partners. Shirley continued to compete at the highest level after giving birth to her only son - musician, Broadway star and entertainer, Mark Ballas - in 1985.

In 1996, Shirley retired from competitive dancing, becoming the highly acclaimed teacher and coach she is today, as well as being the head judge on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing.