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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Mark Bailey

Shirley Ballas: ‘I’ve given most of my dance trophies away’

Shirley Ballas in a green velvet trouser suit
‘Everybody needs a prickly side – so you’re not walked over in life.’: Shirley Ballas. Photograph: Trevor Leighton/Camera Press

Strictly is so glamorous that I like to unwind by wearing zero makeup and a sloppy tracksuit. How else? I go to yoga. I light candles in the bathroom and soak in the tub. I walk in the park with Charlie, my Lhasa Apso. My mum, Audrey, is 85 and lives with me, and we like to snuggle up in bed and watch murder mysteries.

I grew up on the Leasowe housing estate in Merseyside. Most people got paid on a Friday – by Wednesday nobody had any money. People would borrow a bowl of sugar. Everybody joined together to help whoever needed it. There was a strong sense of community.

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