Shirley Ballas has opened up about a hidden health struggle as she prepares to return to Strictly Come Dancing. The show's head judge may need spinal surgery after her back has "deteriorated" over the last year.
Shirley - who will be seen kicking off the next series of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday (September 14) - has now revealed she could need surgery after suffering from back pain which has worsened over the last 12 months.
She told OK! magazine in a candid update: "I've been to see three specialists, and I may need surgery. It's not a choice; I will have to get it sorted." READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's JB Gill makes Rochelle Humes 'cry' as he shows 'intense training' She continued: "It can wait until after 'Strictly' because I have a high tolerance for pain anyway, and it's something I've been living with for many, many years, but it's just deteriorated over the course of the last year." The 64-year-old dancing champion also explained that she has explored the best options for treatment with her back from around the world and is relying on her friends and family for support during this challenging time.
She added: "I'm on it like a car bonnet. I am working and making sure I'm seeing the best people on both sides of the Atlantic - in the United States and here.
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