Shirley Ballas steps out with fiancé Danny Taylor after rigorous rehearsals for Blackpool special… after admitting she hasn’t seen him in ‘months’

Shirley Ballas appeared to be in a jovial mood as she stepped out with her fiancé Danny Taylor after the Strictly Come Dancing dress rehearsal on Friday.

The head judge, 63, was all smiles as she was spotted heading to her hotel with her boyfriend Danny, 50, in Blackpool.

The Strictly stars, dancers and judges have all headed to the seaside resort ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated annual Blackpool Tower special.

And Shirley was supported by her partner Danny as he traveled with her to Blackpool for the spectacle, after she admitted they hadn’t seen each other for ‘months’.

For the dress rehearsal, Shirley put on a leggy show in a sumptuous black faux fur jacket, which she paired with black stiletto heels.

All smiles: The head judge, 63, flashed a big smile as she was spotted heading to her hotel with her boyfriend Danny, 50, in Blackpool as they looked as in love as ever

She looked effortlessly glamorous in her extravagant ensemble and accessorized her look with statement silver earrings.

The ballroom dancer appeared to be in good spirits as she was seen beaming as she sat next to Danny in her car as they headed to their hotel.

Danny cut a friendly figure in a black suit as he showed his support for Shirley and the Strictly team by attending the rehearsal for the Blackpool special.

The Blackpool special features an incredible opening routine from the Strictly cast before the remaining couples take to the most famous dance floor to pull out all the stops with some spectacular routines.

Their latest social outing comes after Shirley confirmed she and Danny had not split after she revealed she had only seen him once since August.

In October, she told Heat Magazine: “We talk on the phone regularly, so you could say we have a good FaceTime relationship. But it works.

“I’m not interested in another boyfriend, and he’s not interested in another girlfriend.”

And in August, Shirley admitted it’s ‘wonderful’ she and Danny are still together, despite struggling to see each other due to their busy schedules.

She said The sun: ‘Danny, after four and a half years we are still together. That’s wonderful. He has a very busy schedule and I have a very busy schedule.”

Elegant: For the dress rehearsal, Shirley put on a leggy show in a sumptuous black faux fur jacket, which she paired with black stiletto heels

Going strong: Their latest social outing comes after Shirley confirmed she and Danny had not split after admitting she hadn’t seen him in ‘months’

She went on to say that her busy lifestyle means she is ‘all over the place’ but she ‘makes it work’.

The pair – who have a 13-year age difference – met during pantomime rehearsals for Jack And The Beanstalk in Darlington in 2018 and have been inseparable ever since.

Two years ago, Shirley revealed the couple had discussed adopting a child together.

She told the Loose Women panel that she wouldn’t rule out expanding her family with Danny, saying it was ‘important’ to explore the possibility of bringing a child into her home.

Shirley has been married twice before, first tying the knot with dance partner Sammy Stopford in 1980 before splitting five years later.

She then married fellow professional ballroom dancer Corky Ballas in 1985 and they welcomed son Mark Ballas together, before divorcing in 2007.

COME STRICTLY DANCE 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS

Angela Rippon

Age: 78

Profession: Journalist

Angela says: ‘Having been a Strictly fan since day one and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, as I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and perhaps the opportunity to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’

Layton Williams

Age: 28

Profession: Actor

Layton says: ‘Absolutely exciting to confirm that I will be taking part in Britain’s most iconic dancing competition! It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I’m so excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’

Age: 53

Profession: Journalist

Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused that I’m joining Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start dancing, but I’m a little worried about my general decline.”

Age: 40

Profession: Comedian and radio host

Eddy says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to who I am. I’m so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise I’ll give you everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.

Angela Scanlon

Age: 39

Profession: TV presenter

Angela says:I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. I’ve never danced, apart from drunkenly jiving at a wedding!’

Adam Thomas

Age: 34

Profession: Actor and presenter

Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life, but I like to learn and laugh with my professional. Take me to the dance floor… I can’t wait!’

Age: 22

Profession: Coronation Street star

Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to do Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine, so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’

Age: 20

Profession: EastEnders star and model

Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up, I can’t wait to start training as a professional dancer and add a few moves to my locker. I look forward to performing for everyone.”

Nigel Harman

Age: 49

Profession: Actor

Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…gulp!’

Age: 57

Profession: Announcer and ex-tennis player

Annabel says: ‘I’ve always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and I’m looking forward to finding some joy in the process.’