Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas reveals she once punched woman in the face

‘I socked her in the gob,' said former dancer

Ellie Harrison
Wednesday 14 October 2020 08:42 BST
Comments
Shirley Ballas
Shirley Ballas (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has revealed she once punched a woman who she suspected her husband had been unfaithful with.

In her new memoir, Behind the Sequins, Ballas writes that a woman approached her and, referencing her then-husband Corky, said: “You and I need to talk.”

Ballas added: "I tried to duck it, saying I had nothing to say to her, but she refused to budge.

"Suddenly, it seemed as if everything went into slow motion as I turned round to face her, just as she said, 'You need to get used to the fact that I f***ed your husband.' 

"There was a little white angel on one of my shoulders, and a little red angel on the other one. The white angel told me, 'Keep walking,' while the red angel said, 'Sock her in the gob.' So thats what I did.

"I punched her and she rolled away. I'm not proud.”

Ballas and Corky, who was also a dancer, divorced in 2007 after 22 years of marriage.

The Independent is trying to contact Corky for comment.

Ballas is the head judge on Strictly, which returns on Saturday 17 October. See the full list of contestants here.

Ballas's book, Behind the Sequins, is out now.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in