Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Entertainment
Aaron Morris

Shirley Ballas' pride as son Mark wins American version of Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing panellist Shirley Ballas is celebrating her son's victory on the American version of the show, Dancing with the Stars.

36-year-old Mark Ballas, and his celebrity dance partner TikTok artist Charli D'Amelio danced their way to victory last night, winning the 31st season of the show outright.

His mother Shirley, who wouldn't miss the extravaganza for the world, stayed up late due to the UK/USA time difference to watch Mark lift the stateside equivalent of the Glitterball trophy - taking to Instagram and Twitter to excitedly share a message of congratulations.

Read more: Strictly star Kym Marsh out of this week's show after testing positive for Covid

Speaking to her followers on Instagram, the pro-dancer turned judge, said: "So, I've stayed up all night. It’s now 3.00 am in the morning and my son, beautiful son Mark and Charli just won the Mirrorball trophy. I want to give a huge thank you to Harry who’s kept me abreast everything, and Corky all night. Nanny and I have been here, who just got up now, to have a little brandy, because out nerves have gone.

"Huge congratulations to Mark for a beautiful season, to Charli for really working hard, and to all the beautiful fans, Courtney and Mark and Charli fans, thank you for keeping me in the loop. You are all superstars. Really appreciate it. Thank you...Oh my God!"

She also took to Twitter to share a snap of her son and Charli, moments before the duo lifted the trophy, penning: "And this is the beautiful young man we raised. Congratulations @MarkBallas @charlidamelio a photo can speak a thousand words.

"I’m proud of the man you have become. #son #polite #ladiesfirst."

The achievement marks the third occasion that Mark has lifted the Mirrorball trophy, winning season six in 2008 with partner Kristi Yamaguchi, and season eight in 2009 with Shawn Johnson.

Although he was once again victorious last night, he is undecided as to whether or not he will be returning for the next season.

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.