Strictly’s Shirley Ballas, 62, reveals she’s ‘changed her mind’ about marrying beau Danny Taylor, 50

Shirley Ballas has revealed that she has ‘changed her mind’ about marrying her long-term partner Danny Taylor.

In an exclusive conversation with MailOnline at the Copacabana London Cabaret Show, the strict judge, 62, revealed her priorities had changed.

Saying, “I’ve changed my mind. I just feel like at this particular point in my life, my mom and I have a great relationship and we want to do some traveling and there are different things we want to do.”

Shirley has been dating the actor, 50, since 2019 and was rumored to be engaged after Danny surprised her with a diamond ring in 2021.

The professional dancer was previously married to former ballroom star Sammy Stopford from 1980 to 1984 before marrying dancer Corky Ballas in 1985 and the couple separated in 2007 after 22 years together.

Despite the news, the pair are still happier than ever with Shirley revealing that they are doing everything they can to make their long distance relationship work as Danny is currently on tour.

‘[The relationship is] I’m fine – I’m busy, he’s busy and we talk to each other every day – several times a day, and my mother talks to him too’.

Before revealing, “I’d love to do a travel show with my mom, but she doesn’t like the camera, she says, but give her some cognac and she’s great.”

Shirley is very close to her mother Audrey, 85, and told The protector last year: “My mother, Audrey, is 85 and lives with me, and we like to curl up in bed and watch murder mysteries.”

Further on: “Queen Bee and pretty bossy. She’s not as forgiving as I am, but she has a beautiful kind heart. She raised my son, Mark (now a dancer on the US version of Strictly), from two to 21 when I was traveling for my dancing career.”

“I like to think he has that pretty side of her, but also a sharp, prickly side of me. Everyone needs a prickly side – so you don’t get run over’.

Shirley also lifted the lid on Strictly’s latest series, hinting at “changes that will knock the audience for six.”

After last year’s spate of negative online abuse, she said: ‘I will turn off all types of foul language and sexual messages’

“I have a social media team behind me this year and my son will help me filter it. Of course my mom and I live together, so I have this little soul to bounce on, so I’m not worried about it at all this year.”

Further: ‘I think I’ve gained a better understanding of social media and people’s characters on social media, but don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good people out there, and I had a lot of support, especially from the BBC’.

And speaking of travel, it comes after the pair set sail together on a glamorous MSC Virtuosa cruise for her Northern European sails, aboard Southampton.

While on board, the famed ballroom dancer hosted a Q&A session where guests shared a behind-the-scenes look at Strictly.

During her journey, Shirley not only indulged in several luxurious spa treatments at the MSC Aurea Spa, including a soothing Balinese massage and a rejuvenating facial.

The TV personality also had an unforgettable experience going offshore and exploring the picturesque cities of Hamburg, Cherbourg and Bruges with the shore excursion team.

She took to her Instagram and shared fun footage from the trip as she and Danny enjoyed the five-star facilities before hitting the dance floor.

And when she arrived back on dry land, Shirley attended Ms Doubtfire’s gala performance in support of Comic Relief at London’s Shaftesbury Theater despite nearly breaking her ankle the day before.

She looked sensational in a bright pink blazer and matching shorts, which she paired with a simple white blouse.

But despite her beaming smile, the TV judge wore a white ankle brace.

Refusing to make sacrifices for her fashion, she slipped on a pair of nude heels and posed like a storm on the carpet.

Shirley took to her Instagram a day earlier and revealed that she was “lucky” that she didn’t “break” her foot after an accident in the yard.

While filming herself on her way to an event, she said, “Look what I was gardening this morning.

‘Oh yeah. When I say I was lucky I didn’t break it. I mean, I was lucky I didn’t break it.

“I’ve already broken it twice in my life. Strong ankles but I fell on my hands, my wrists and almost my face…but managed that. My foot instead. So yes.’

Updating fans a day after the injury, she showed off her swollen ankle as it started to bruise.

She explained: My foot is turning completely black now. It’s very swollen. You see that? But also when I went to yoga today I hurt my shoulder. So that came the day after. So I hurt my shoulder, also a sore foot.

“Trying to decide if I should put the bandage back on to go out because I always want to wear my heels. Has anyone else had an injury like this before?

Last ‘I’ve broken this foot twice before so I guess I got lucky. Anyway, off to Shaftesbury Avenue to see Mrs. Doubtfire now and I’m very excited, I loved the movie. And I think I’m really going to enjoy the show.”