Shirley Ballas, the head judge of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, marked her 65th birthday by sharing a sepia-toned childhood photograph on Instagram, prompting surprise at how different she looked as a youngster.
Ballas celebrated the milestone in an Instagram Stories post on Saturday, writing, "Almost 65 years old baby girl happy birthday you made it this far," and telling followers she still has a "pinch-me moment" when she realises she has been "entertaining the nation." The post included the throwback image and a message congratulating herself for "making it this far."
Ballas rose to prominence as a ballroom dancer, winning multiple championships in Latin American dance, including the British Open three times. She later became a prominent coach and television personality, joining Strictly Come Dancing as head judge and becoming a familiar face to British audiences.
Outside the studio, Ballas is a mother and grandmother and has published work as an author. She has also been active in mental health advocacy following the death of her brother in 2003, a tragedy she has cited as informing her public work. As a charity ambassador, Ballas has given away most of her trophies to underprivileged children, saying previously that she wanted to inspire others and ensure her awards served a wider purpose.
The Instagram post and accompanying photograph drew attention because the sepia effect and the passage of time made the television personality look markedly different from her current public image. Ballas's fans and fellow professionals have often noted her candid reflections on career and personal life, and the birthday post continued a pattern of openness about her journey.
Ballas's role on Strictly Come Dancing has kept her in the public eye for years, and she has frequently been cited in media coverage for both her judging on the popular series and her earlier competitive achievements. Her birthday post adds a personal note to her public profile at a moment when she is marking a significant life milestone.
In recent years, Ballas has balanced television commitments with writing and charity activities, maintaining a public presence that spans entertainment, advocacy and community engagement. Her birthday message underscored that mix of personal reflection and public-facing career accomplishments as she entered her 65th year.