Strictly's Shirley Ballas reveals hopes for 2021 engagement to boyfriend Danny Taylor

Strictly star Shirley Ballas has been in a relationship with Danny for two years

Strictly's Shirley Ballas Danny Taylor
(Image credit: Nick England/Getty Images for Barclaycard Exclusive)

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has revealed her hopes for a 2021 engagement to boyfriend Danny Taylor – even if it means she has to propose herself.

The 60-year-old opened up about her relationship in a candid new interview, and revealed she has already picked her 'bridesmaids', Strictly male pro dancers Johannes Radebe, Gorka Marquez and Giovanni Pernice.

Discussing the prospect of an engagement, Shirley told MailOnline: "Maybe next year is on the cards, possibly.

"Everything with Danny is romantic. When he did my 60th he thought about things I'd never think about, he's very creative, loving and caring.

"We're very 50/50 so women have equality like men so if I cook, he'll wash up, he'll vacuum and I'll clean, he's that type of person – he's definitely a keeper for sure."

On whether Shirley would pop the question to Danny, she said: "I don't know, we have mentioned it once or twice.

"I'll leave the decision up to Danny. I've been married twice, he hasn't at all, so whatever he feels comfortable with.

"At one point he mentioned maybe we could get married on the Liverpool football pitch at Anfield, but that doesn't quite ring my bell."

Discussing her potential bridal party should she and Danny ever marry, Shirley added: "For my bridesmaids it would be my gaggle of gays, Alan and Nathan from America, I am already thinking about that – it wouldn't be straightforward, it would have a twist in it.

"Johannes, Gorka and Giovanni could be bridesmaids too. That could be fun."

Shirley has been dating actor Danny, 47, for two years after meeting during rehearsals for pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk, in Liverpool.

Jenni McKnight is a beauty, lifestyle and entertainment journalist and a regular contributor to woman&home, having previously worked as Acting Senior Content Editor of our former sister site, CelebsNow. She has also written for HELLO! Magazine, GoodToKnow, the Daily Mirror and Yahoo!