Shirley Ballas’ close bond with niece - who she raised after parents' tragic deaths when she was just 10
ok.co.ukStrictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas shares a close bond with her niece, Mary.The head judge raised her niece from the age of 10 after her father, Shirley’s brother David, took his own life at the age of 44, and Mary’s mother died shortly afterwards.
Mary, who is a healthcare scientist. has a low-key presence on social media, but Shirley often gives a peek inside their close relationship.
Sharing a behind-the-scenes snap from Elstree Studios, Shirley showed Mary was supporting her as she filmed for Strictly, and hailed her as "the most amazing woman I know".
Captioning the photo, she said: " My niece Mary - my brother's daughter coming to see me on #Strictly.The most amazing woman I know!" Shirley often travels to America, where she lived for 11 years, to see her only child, Mark Ballas, who is married to singer-songwriter BC Jean.
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