Eastenders star Jamie Borthwick and professional dancer Nancy Xu have been crowned this year's winners of the Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special.
07.12.2023 - 09:03 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Shirley Ballas has gotten herself a new name as she reacted to some big family news. The Strictly Come Dancing star reshared a post from her son, Mark Ballas, confirming the arrival of his first child, making her a grandmother for the first time.
Mark, a dancer who has appeared on Dancing with the Stars, the American version of the BBC One dance contest, confirmed on Wednesday (December 6) that he had welcomed a baby with wife Brittany Jean Carlson last month.
"Welcome to Earth my son," Mark started the caption of a social media post featuring a photo of the family holding hands. Confirming his baby boy's name and birthdate, he added: "Banksi Wylde Ballas 11 / 5 / 23."
READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola declares 'I'm in love' as hidden message to Ellie Leach uncovered
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As well as congratulating the happy couple, Shirley also received a message of support from her fellow Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse, with the star writing: “Congratulations mom & dad . Wishing you all the best !!! @shirleyballas congratulations Shirley."
And the new grandmother left a bit of time before reacting to the news but taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday evening, the Strictly head judge reshared her son's post and simply said: "@markballas @bcjean How so very beautiful. I am beyond excited to be a Glam-Ma to my beautiful grandson Banksi Wylde Ballas."
It comes weeks after Shirley spoke about her son's tragic loss. Speaking to Good Housekeeping's Deputy Editor, Emma Justice, before a live audience, the dancing star said: "My son and his wife have been trying for a baby. Last year they lost a baby so this will be a rainbow baby."
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Eastenders star Jamie Borthwick and professional dancer Nancy Xu have been crowned this year's winners of the Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special.
Shirley Ballas is arguably the Strictly Come Dancing judge contestants want to impress the most as the one with the casting vote during each results show. Dancing since she was seven, the Cheshire-born ballroom dancer has never been shy of giving her professional critique on the BBC One show, even when her comments have proved unpopular.
It's only been just over a week since the hit dance competition wrapped up its 2023 series but there is still plenty of glitter and sparkles left for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams has issued a plea to his supporters as he doesn't want 'what' everyone did' to him during the series to happen to Ellie Leach after winning the show. The actor and West End star made it to the final of the BBC One dance contest with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin.
One of the Strictly Come Dancing judges looks 'set to be replaced' next year after fans issued a complaint saying it "drives me mad". Saturday night's (December 16) final saw Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke on the judging panel for the last time this year.
Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been left a little concerned for one of the show's professional dancers after an 'emotional' appearance during the final. Dianne Buswell made it to the end of the 2023 run of the BBC One dance contest with celebrity partner Bobby Brazier.
Ellie Leach was crowned the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 alongside professional dancer Vito Coppola, and she had a sweet message for her dance partner after they lifted the Glitterball trophy. Ex-Coronation Street actress Ellie, 22, was completely stunned when Tess Daly, 54, and Claudia Winkelman, 51, announced she'd won, while Vito, 31, was immediately overcome with emotion and broke down in tears.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have said those in the ballroom appeared 'too chilled out' when Ellie Leach's 'life was risked' during the final. The former Coronation Street star made it to the end of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (December 16) with pro dance partner Vito Coppola.
Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola has shared his advice to Ellie Leach as he reacted to the news they had made it through to the final. The pair wowed in the ballroom over the weekend as they competed in the semi-final of the BBC One dance contest.
Strictly Come Dancing's 2023 finalists have been confirmed after a sad final exit. It's been 12 weeks since 14 celebrities first appeared in the ballroom after signing up for this year's run of the BBC One dance contest.
Shirley Ballas has dismissed any accusations of 'bias' as the made the final decision during the last Strictly Come Dancing results show. It was a crucial night in the ballroom on Saturday night as the remaining four couples danced twice for a place in the grand final.
Strictly Come Dancing fans were left demanding 'more' after an unexpected moment in the ballroom. The last results show of the series on Sunday night (December 10) saw the three finalists of the 2023 series decided ahead of next weekend's final.
According to Strictly Come Dancing fans, 'tension' between the judges and one of the celebrity contestants has been 'confirmed' after a telling comment from Motis Mabuse. It was the semi-final of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (December 9) and the remaining four couples performed twice for the judges and the voting public watching at home
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left complaining over Anton Du Beke as he returned to the judging panel for the semi-final. It was a crucial night in the ballroom on Saturday (December 9) as the four remaining couples performed for a place in next weekend's grand final.
Viewers said they had 'no idea' after missing what Ellie Leach was doing during her first performance on Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night (December 9). It was crunch time for the former Coronation Street star and her professional dance partner Vito Coppola as they are favourites to make it through to next weekend's final.
Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola has said he's 'in love' as his hidden message to Ellie Leach was uncovered - but it might not be exactly what it seems. The dancer was seen in the ballroom over the weekend alongside his former Coronation Street star dance partner after making it through to the quarter-finals.
Jeff Brazizer has spoken out in support of his son Bobby after their latest Strictly Come Dancing performance left professional dancer Dianne Buswell 'gutted'. EastEnders star Bobby and his dance partner Dianne were back in the ballroom over the weekend.
Bobby Brazier has said it was a "privilege" to honour his late mother Jade Goody on Strictly Come Dancing last week after his tribute left the judges, viewers and his dad, Jeff Brazier, in tears. The EastEnders actor performed a couple’s choice dance with professional partner Dianne Buswell.
Strictly Come Dancing fans fear a 'crime' may take place before the end of the series as they made a complaint on Saturday night (December 2). The BBC One dance contest returned to screens after being thrown into chaos just hours before the quarter-finals.
Strictly Come Dancing viewers wasted no time in sharing their thoughts as Dianne Buswell debuted a completely different look during her latest appearance in the ballroom. The Australian dancer was back alongside Bobby Brazier after they made it through to the quarter-finals of the BBC One dance contest.