Shirley Ballas reveals she had breast enlargement in attempt to ‘save marriage’

The Strictly star has spoken about her ex-husband's controlling behaviour.

shirley ballas
(Image credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Shirley Ballas has opened up about the reason she decided to get breast implants.

The Strictly Come Dancing star has said she decided to get the surgery in a bid to save her marriage, in what she describes as the “the sorriest day” of her life.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday’s You magazine, the 60-year-old explained that she chose to enhance the size of her chest because of her ex-husband's controlling behaviour - as he once said her breasts were "too small.”

Shirley was married to Texan ballroom dancer Corky Ballas between 1985 and 2007. The pair share a 34-year-old son called Mark.

The Strictly judge says her ex-husband’s alleged controlling behaviour during their relationship prompted her to have breast surgery.Recalling some of the hurtful things Corky used to say, Shirely said, “He’d say, ‘You’re too fat. What’s that mole on your chin? Your nose is crooked, you need a nose job. Your breasts are too small.’

“I had breast implants done to try to save my marriage. It was the sorriest day of my life.”

shirley ballas and other strictly judges

(Image credit: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Last year, the English ballroom dancer underwent surgery to have her breast enlargement reversed and had a potentially dangerous capsule removed.She decided to revert from a DDto a natural A-cup, because of the risk of cancer that runs in her family. Shirley later told The Sun, "When I saw my little boobies, I thought, ‘There she is.'

"They’re lovely. They’re all a bit swollen but I’m pleased with the breast lift he gave me. And now I’m in the process of learning to love myself after all those years."

She also spoke about when fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood made fun of her by telling a live event that she had flashed her “fake boobs” at producers during her audition for Strictly.

Shirley said, “I thought it was disgraceful. I asked for a meeting. I told him a bit about my history then I ended with ‘I don’t need people like you to make me feel bad about myself, I’m more than capable of doing that myself.'

“He sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers with an apology, which I thought was sensitive and sweet. He’s treated me with the utmost respect since.”

Lizzie Thomson is a regular contributor to woman&home, and also contributes to Metro.co.uk, Ideal Home, Culture Trip, and Evening Standard, covering all things lifestyle.