Shirley Ballas is hit by injury setback but still vows to be fit for Strictly

The head judge, 59, said “things are not great” after her foot had to be set in plaster. The new cast was fitted after doctors told her the boot she had been wearing was not working. Shirley said at the beginning of last month that she hoped the mystery injury would heal in six weeks. The latest setback means she almost certainly will not be able to join the other judges in their traditional dance before they take their seats for the first time on the show.

But friends say she is determined to be back on the judging panel.

A pal of the star said: “Essentially, the boot she had wasn’t secure enough, so she has been put in plaster to make sure the bones heal correctly.

“Scans are to check that the bones are aligned, which today’s scan shows they are. She will definitely be back on Strictly.

“There is no reason for her not to be as she doesn’t need to dance to be on the panel. But she will be out of the plaster by then.” Shirley revealed her injury – but not how she got it – early last month.

She said: “A clean break. Six weeks to heal.Thank you to the NHS and all staff who took care of me.

“So they’re not using plaster anymore, they use a boot. So I’m learning to walk on these crutches which goes crutch, right foot, close – a bit like the waltz.

“Anyway, I’m going to be absolutely fine for Strictly and I’m sure everything’s going to be absolutely great. The NHS was amazing. So, yes, clean break, six weeks.”

In October last year, Shirley had her breast implants removed due to fears they could be masking signs of breast cancer.

Then in January a chipped tooth saw her receive emergency dental surgery.

A few weeks ago Shirley said she was “99 percent sure” Strictly would return this year despite the logistical problems during the pandemic.

The show has been a Saturday night staple since 2004.

Shirley said: “I did send an example of ‘distancing dancing’ so you can do that, little bit more difficult, more challenging, but interesting.

“I am absolutely positive that they will bring the best show that they can.

“I couldn’t imagine the autumn and winter months without the show, the glitz, the glamour.”

source: express.co.uk