Beloved BBC star looks unrecognisable in sweet throwback childhood snap to mark birthday milestone – but can YOU guess who it is?

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On their special birthday over the weekend, a cherished figure from BBC appeared almost unmatched in a heartwarming old photo of their childhood, showcasing a significant transformation.

On this memorable event, the television icon confessed that they often experience a moment of disbelief when they remember they’ve been providing entertainment to our entire nation.

The screen favourite, who just turned 65, is much loved for being a ballroom-savvy.

She won multiple championships in Latin American dance, including the British Open three times. 

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at this celebrated star who, amidst her dazzling Hollywood presence, remains deeply rooted as a mother and grandmother. Beyond the glitz and glamour, she’s an author with a powerful voice, using her platform to champion mental health awareness, a cause that resonates profoundly with her following her brother’s heart-wrenching suicide in 2003.

Additionally, she functions as a representative for charitable causes, often giving away the majority of her awards to less fortunate kids.

Yes, that’s Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas.

On Saturday, the dance coach shared on her Instagram Stories, expressing joy about having reached this point.

Accompanying the sepia-toned photo, she wrote: “Happy 65th Birthday, dear baby girl! You’ve come this far.

It might seem surprising, but that 18-month-old baby girl is winning over the hearts of an entire nation on BBC Strictly.

In simpler terms, the star posted a photo showing her proudly standing next to her mom, surrounded by a festive display of sixty-five colorful balloons, as they both enjoyed a memorable occasion together.

She gratefully displayed the assortment of cards and blooms sent by her supporters, among which were a bottle of champagne from her Strictly colleagues Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.

Today, I’m filled with gratitude… Thank you so much for the heartwarming expressions of affection you all showered on me during my 65th birthday celebration.

1. Apart from being known as the “Queen of Latin,” Shirley is recognized for her extensive dance career that began at just seven years old, and she has solidified her position as the leader on the Strictly judges’ panel. (In a more conversational style)

2. Shirley goes by the nickname “The Queen of Latin” due to her impressive dance career, which started when she was only seven. She now holds a strong position as the head judge on Strictly’s panel. (Simplified and easy-to-understand language)

Recently, the renowned dancer faced challenges connected to menopause and a deteriorating spine condition, topics she publicly addressed to promote understanding.

A few days before her birthday, she shared that she felt uncomfortable receiving cold looks at her father’s funeral, as she had previously labeled him as an absentee father.

Shirley struggled with her father-daughter bond, as ‘Andy’, formerly known as George, abandoned the household when she was only two. For a significant part of her life, he remained absent from their lives.

According to a passage from her recently released book titled Best Foot Forward, she mentions that she was anticipating some emotion or response upon learning about his death, given the past events, but no such feelings appeared. (The Mirror)

At his funeral, I sensed some individuals were giving me scrutinizing glances… There was no mistaking the hostile looks cast toward me, likely due to the recent publication of my autobiography in which I labeled him as an absent father.

As a lifestyle advocate, I must confess there’s a niggling part of me that wishes I had left out that particular line in my book. Upon reading it back now, it seems undeniably blunt. However, I am an advocate for authenticity and transparency above all else. The line you refer to encapsulates my genuine, raw experience with him as a father.

She mentioned that her father, too, experienced a turbulent bond with Audrey because of his alcohol consumption.

Andy, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 83, got married thrice more following his divorce from Audrey. Notably, Shirley shared that she felt angry with him due to the way he had dealt with her mother.

She mentioned that she’d refer to him as “Andy” instead of “Dad” or “Daddy,” indicating how disconnected they seemed to her, as their relationship felt so remote.

Th star added that although she had a ‘slight wobble’ at his funeral the feelings quickly passed.

Upon discussing further, she shared that upon her passing, she desired not to receive any inheritance from him, as she felt during his lifetime, he hadn’t provided her with anything substantial.

Shirley has previously said she felt ‘mixed emotions’ when he died.

On Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast, she expressed that it brings her great emotion, as losing her mother would be incredibly difficult and traumatic for her. Her mother has always been the consistent presence in her life.

When my father passed away, many individuals expressed to me that he deeply cared for me. However, it was disheartening to me that he didn’t express his love for me during his lifetime.

In addition, the book disclosed that she contemplated wanting to be alive less and resorted to drinking alcohol as a means of dealing with depression during menopause.

She explained that she felt anxious, depressed and desolate during the time. 

In her forthcoming book, the dancing star admits she felt as though she was losing her bearings during her toughest times.

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2025-09-06 15:34