Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has reportedly ended her relationship with fiancé Danny Taylor after six years together — just months after revealing she had no plans to marry again.
Shirley, 64, first met actor Danny Taylor, 51, in 2018 while working on a panto production. The pair began dating in 2019 and got engaged in 2021. However, earlier this year, Shirley made headlines when she said she had decided not to tie the knot.
Despite calling off the wedding plans, the couple were said to still be going strong — until now. A source close to the couple told The Sun: “She gave her all to the relationship, but eventually realised it wasn’t going anywhere.”
Shirley had made a considerable effort to support Danny’s theatre and panto work, often travelling long distances to be with him. But with her living in London and Danny based in Liverpool, the commute eventually took its toll.
“Distance played a big role. But Shirley is incredibly strong and resilient,” the insider added. “She’s looking better than ever and already bouncing back. 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for her.”
The pair reportedly remain on good terms and still follow each other on social media.
Back in January, Shirley appeared on Alan Carr’s Life’s A Beach podcast where she openly declared: “Two marriages, an engagement, two long-term relationships later — I will not be getting married again.”
By June 2023, she confirmed her change of heart to MailOnline: “I’ve changed my mind. At this point in my life, I just want to spend more time with my mum and travel.”
Though Shirley had once said she would “marry him tomorrow,” it seems life had other plans.
