Strictly's Shirley Ballas says 'it was awful' as she shares heartbreaking family tragedy

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has opened up on the heartbreaking moment she found out her brother, David, had taken his own life in 2003

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has spoken out about the devastating moment she learned of her brother's tragic death. The 63 year old, who joined the show in 2017, has been open about her experiences as a competitive dancer, winning numerous titles in International Latin.

However, in 2003, she faced a family tragedy when her brother, David, took his own life.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Shirley recounted the harrowing moment she received the news, stating: "I collapsed on the floor and had to call my ex-husband to drive my mother and me, because we were in London, all the way up to the North. It was the Friday of a bank holiday weekend, so the traffic was bad, and we couldn't get hold of anybody to tell us what was happening."

She continued: "Everything was a drama. And my poor mother: when the police came to the front door and said, "Mrs Rich?" I moved aside, and she stepped forward and they broke the news. It was awful.", reports the Mirror.

Following her brother's death, Shirley has become an ambassador for the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). She expressed: "The only positive that can be taken from such a terrible time is that, because I got the Strictly job years later, I'm now able to use that platform to be an ambassador for the Campaign Against Living Miserably, so I'm able to help people with suicidal thoughts or anybody who feels like they want to take their own life."

In December 2023, Shirley took to social media to honour David, two decades after his tragic death. She shared a snapshot of them together and images of a tribute to David that had previously been displayed on London's Southbank.

"20 years ago today my dearest brother David took his own life," began the caption of Shirley's post. "I lost my brother, my protector and my best friend. I'll remember the dreaded knock on the front door forever. I can still picture the police officers standing there and I just knew something was wrong. 'Mrs Rich', they said. I stepped aside and my mother stepped forward. From that moment, our worlds came crashing down."

"How time flies dearest David. Where have the years gone... you are truly missed on a daily basis. I'll never really know why you went, but my mother and I talk about you often and you are never forgotten. Mary, your beautiful daughter, is doing you so very proud. She is strong, beautiful and she brings us so much joy."

"My work for @calmzone and @suicideandco will continue with you in the forefront of my mind. My Skyathlon was for you David. I zip lined, wing walked and I skydived for you David. I'll continue to support others who are in dark places as I have learnt over the years there is light at the end of the tunnel. Continue to rest in peace David. Mum and I miss you so very much."

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.