How Many Husbands Has Shirley Ballas Had? Unraveling Her Marital Journey

Eve Roob 14 Jul 2025

For anyone who follows the world of dance, particularly the glitzy and very demanding stages of professional ballroom, Shirley Ballas is, you know, a truly iconic figure. She is the head judge on a very popular show, and her life, both on and off the dance floor, often sparks a lot of interest. People are naturally curious about her journey, especially when it comes to her personal life and, perhaps, more specifically, her relationships. So, a question that often comes up, which is quite natural given her public profile, is this: How many husbands has Shirley Ballas had?

It's a fair question, really, as her life has certainly seen its share of ups and downs, much like many of us experience. Her story is one of dedication to dance, but also, in a way, a search for lasting connection. She has, you know, shared parts of her personal journey over the years, giving us a glimpse into the person behind the judging panel.

This article will, in fact, take a closer look at Shirley's marital history, drawing directly from what we know. We will explore the details of her past relationships, the circumstances surrounding them, and what her experiences have taught her about love and commitment. It's a story that, arguably, shows a lot of resilience and a deep commitment to her craft, even when things in her personal life were, you know, a bit difficult.

Shirley Ballas: A Glimpse into Her Life
The Question: How Many Husbands Has Shirley Ballas Had?
- First Marriage: Sammy Stopford
- Second Marriage: Corky Ballas
Current Relationships and Future Hopes
Beyond the Ballroom: Shirley's Personal Journey
Frequently Asked Questions About Shirley Ballas's Marriages

Shirley Ballas: A Glimpse into Her Life

Before we, you know, get right into the specifics of her marriages, it’s helpful to understand a little bit about Shirley Ballas herself. She is, after all, a celebrated English ballroom dancer, a very respected judge, and a teacher. Her journey to becoming the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing is, arguably, a testament to her dedication to the art of dance. She has built a remarkable career, which, in fact, has also contributed to her reported net worth of $2 million.

Born as Shirley Annette Rich, her early life began on 6 September 1960. She was, you know, brought up in Wallasey, Cheshire, which is now part of Merseyside, England. Her family included her brother, David, and her mother, Audrey. This background, you know, provided the foundation for the incredible career she would go on to build in the world of dance.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Shirley Annette Rich (Ballas)
Date of Birth	6 September 1960
Place of Birth	Wallasey, Cheshire (now Merseyside), England
Occupation	Ballroom Dancer, Judge, Teacher
Known For	Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing
Reported Net Worth	$2 million
Parents	Audrey (Mother)
Siblings	David (Brother)

The Question: How Many Husbands Has Shirley Ballas Had?

So, to address the main question directly, Shirley Ballas has, you know, been married twice in her life. Both of these marriages ended in divorce, which, in a way, has made her a bit hesitant to tie the knot again, particularly with her current partner. Her experiences, it seems, have taught her some very valuable lessons about relationships and the challenges they can bring. It's clear that, for Shirley, love has been, perhaps, a somewhat complicated path, yet she remains, you know, open to connection.

Her marital journey began quite early in her life, reflecting, in some respects, the intense partnerships often formed in the competitive dance world. These relationships, you know, were not just personal bonds but also, arguably, professional alliances, given her partners were also dancers. This dual nature of her connections, it could be argued, added a certain layer of complexity to her unions. She has, basically, navigated these significant life events with a lot of grace, even when things were, you know, quite tough.

First Marriage: Sammy Stopford

Shirley's first marriage was to Sammy Stopford, who is, in fact, a professional ballroom dancer and teacher himself. Their story began when Shirley was, you know, just a 17-year-old teenage girl. They first met in London, which is where they were chosen as dance partners for an audition. This initial connection, you know, rooted in their shared passion for dance, quickly blossomed into something more personal, leading them down the aisle.

She married Sammy Stopford when she was, arguably, very young, at the age of 18. This was, you know, a significant step for someone so young, especially given the demands of their professional careers. Their relationship, it seems, was deeply intertwined with their dance partnership. During their marriage, they achieved a very notable success: they won the professional Latin title at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival in 1983. This achievement, you know, really highlighted their skill and dedication as a dancing duo.

However, despite their professional triumphs, their personal relationship, unfortunately, did not last. The marriage, you know, failed five years later, ending in divorce. This period, arguably, marked the end of a very important chapter in Shirley's life, both personally and professionally, with Sammy. It was, basically, her first experience with the complexities of marriage and, you know, the heartache of a relationship ending. This divorce, you know, was a very early lesson in the unpredictable nature of love for her, setting a tone, in a way, for later experiences.

Sammy Stopford, as a professional ballroom dancer and teacher, shared a very specific world with Shirley. Their lives, you know, were almost entirely consumed by dance, from practice to competition. This shared intense focus, while bringing them together, might also have presented its own set of unique challenges. Shirley has, in a way, often had a soft spot for dancers, which is, you know, quite understandable given her life's work. This initial union with Sammy, therefore, was, perhaps, a very natural progression for her at that time, though it ultimately didn't last. It was, you know, a foundational relationship that shaped her understanding of partnerships.

Second Marriage: Corky Ballas

After her first marriage concluded, Shirley, you know, found love again, once more with a fellow dancer. She went on to marry ballroom dancer Corky Ballas in 1985. Corky Ballas's real name is, in fact, Mark Alexander Ballas Sr. This second marriage, arguably, brought a new dimension to Shirley's life, as it led to the birth of her son, Mark Ballas, in 1986. Having a child, you know, changes everything, and for Shirley, it added a very personal layer to her life with Corky.

Their marriage, however, was, you know, unfortunately plagued by infidelity. The strictly come dancing head judge, Shirley Ballas, saw her second marriage to Corky Ballas crumble after he had an affair. This affair was, in fact, with a former Strictly Come Dancing star, or as it's also been put, a past contestant from the BBC programme. This revelation, you know, must have been incredibly difficult for Shirley to process, leading to the eventual breakdown of their union.

The heartbreak of discovering Corky's infidelity, you know, was a very painful moment for Shirley. Her second marriage, which had given her a son and, arguably, a sense of family stability, ended in divorce due to these circumstances. It's clear that this experience left a very deep impact on her, shaping her views on trust and commitment within relationships. The ending of this marriage, you know, was not just a personal loss but also, in a way, a public one, given their prominence in the dance world.

Corky Ballas, like Sammy, was deeply involved in the dance community. This shared professional world, while initially a bond, also meant that the personal struggles within their marriage, you know, could sometimes spill over into their professional lives or become known within their circles. Shirley has, you know, been quite open about the challenges she faced during this period, showing a lot of strength in discussing such personal matters. This second divorce, arguably, reinforced her caution about future commitments, especially when it comes to marriage. She has, you know, learned some very tough lessons about love and loyalty.

Current Relationships and Future Hopes

Currently, Shirley Ballas is, you know, in a romantic bond with her boyfriend, Daniel Taylor. Their relationship has been, in a way, quite public, and fans have often wondered if Shirley would, you know, decide to tie the knot again. However, it seems that her past experiences have made her somewhat hesitant to take that step. She has, in fact, been twice divorced, and this history, arguably, plays a significant role in her current outlook on marriage.

In 2023, there was a point where the Strictly judge Shirley Ballas hinted she had, perhaps, split from Danny Taylor. This came after she called off their engagement, which, you know, certainly caught the attention of many. While they are still, you know, in a relationship, the decision to call off the engagement suggests a cautious approach to formalizing their union. It seems that Shirley is, you know, prioritizing the strength of their bond without necessarily needing the title of marriage. This hesitation, you know, is quite understandable given the heartbreak she has experienced in the past.

Shirley has, you know, been quite open about her feelings on this matter, basically breaking her silence on her relationship status. She has, in a way, indicated that while she loves Daniel, the idea of marriage itself carries a certain weight for her now. It’s almost as if she values the partnership and companionship more than the legal commitment, which is, you know, a very personal choice. Her journey, in some respects, highlights that love can take many forms, and marriage isn't the only path to happiness. She is, you know, very much focused on living her life authentically.

Beyond the Ballroom: Shirley's Personal Journey

While Shirley Ballas is widely known for her professional achievements and her role as a judge, her personal life has also seen its share of very profound moments, some of which are, you know, quite heartbreaking. Her upbringing in Wallasey, Cheshire, with her brother David and mother Audrey, provided the early framework of her life. These family ties, you know, are incredibly important to her, shaping who she is today.

One of the most difficult experiences Shirley has shared is, in fact, the heartbreaking moment she learned of her brother's suicide. This tragedy, you know, undoubtedly left a very deep and lasting impact on her. It's a reminder that even public figures face immense personal pain and challenges, which is, you know, a very human aspect of her story. She has, basically, opened up about this, showing a lot of courage in sharing such a vulnerable part of her past.

Her life story, therefore, is not just about dance and relationships, but also about resilience in the face of adversity. Shirley Ballas has, you know, navigated personal heartbreaks and professional demands with a remarkable spirit. She continues to be a prominent figure, inspiring many with her talent and, in a way, her openness about life's varied experiences. It’s almost as if her strength comes from acknowledging these moments. You can learn more about her incredible dance career and the history of professional Latin dance, which she has significantly contributed to.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shirley Ballas's Marriages

Here are some common questions people ask about Shirley Ballas's marital history, providing, you know, a quick overview of the key facts.

How many times has Shirley Ballas been married?

Shirley Ballas has, in fact, been married twice in her life. Both of these marriages, you know, ended in divorce. She has, you know, publicly stated that she is twice divorced, which is, you know, a very clear answer to this question. Learn more about Shirley Ballas's incredible career on our site.

Who was Shirley Ballas's first husband?

Shirley Ballas's first husband was Sammy Stopford. He is, in fact, a professional ballroom dancer and teacher. They met when Shirley was 17, were chosen as dance partners, and married when she was 18. Their marriage, you know, lasted for five years. This was, arguably, a very formative relationship for her.

Why did Shirley Ballas and Corky Ballas divorce?

Shirley Ballas and Corky Ballas divorced because Corky had an affair. The strictly come dancing head judge saw her second marriage crumble after he began a romance with a former Strictly Come Dancing star, or, you know, a past BBC show contestant. This infidelity, you know, led to the end of their marriage. You can also find more details on Shirley Ballas's personal life on this page.

Shirley Ballas's journey through marriage has been, you know, quite a public one, marked by significant relationships and, arguably, some very difficult endings. She has, you know, been married twice, first to Sammy Stopford and then to Corky Ballas. Both unions, in a way, reflected her deep connection to the world of dance, as both men were also professional dancers. Her experiences, it seems, have shaped her current views on commitment, making her, perhaps, a bit more cautious about future marriages. She continues to live her life with a lot of grace, even after these personal challenges.

Shirley Ballas husband: Who is Shirley Ballas married to? | Celebrity

Shirley Ballas Bio, Net Worth, Age, Affairs, Husband, Boyfriend, Family

Shirley Ballas husband: How Strictly judge got plastic surgery to save

GroundSignal