Shirley Ballas reveals surgery regrets and her fears she’ll ‘look like a pensioner with bingo wings on Strictly’ as she admits she had ‘fat sucked out of my arms and stuck in my face’

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Shirley Ballas, the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has revealed she recently had cosmetic surgery. She explained she was worried about appearing “like an old-age pensioner with bingo wings” on the show.

The 65-year-old dancer has expressed regret over getting liposuction to remove fat from her arms, stomach, and buttocks, explaining it has resulted in skin that feels ‘like crepe paper.’

Shirley also thought about her own difficulties with how she sees herself, and mentioned she still feels self-conscious when sitting with her fellow judges on the Strictly panel.

Earlier this month, the celebrity shared that she spent £4,000 on a non-surgical facelift. This included a series of NeoGen nitrogen plasma treatments performed by leading Harley Street doctor, Dr Johanna Ward.

On the We Need To Talk podcast hosted by Paul C Brunson, Shirley revealed she recently had liposuction – not to remove fat, but to add volume to her cheeks. This was a first for her.

Oh my gosh, she actually *said* it! She confessed she got liposuction, and she *so* regrets it now. Can you believe it? She says they literally sucked the muscle out, and now her skin… she described it as crepe paper! I’m just devastated for her, but honestly, hearing her admit it… it’s just… wow. She’s so self-aware, and it’s heartbreaking. I feel so bad for her, but I’m also strangely fascinated. It’s just… a lot.

Sometimes, when I bend over – like when I’m applying moisturizer – I can still see the areas where fat was removed. I had liposuction on my arms, stomach, and buttocks. Then, fat was taken from those areas and injected into my face. Someone commented that my face looked skeletal or like a dog with a very pointed snout, so I decided to have that done.

I often think, ”I need to make my cheeks look fuller” or similar. I’ve tried a lot of things – vampire facelifts, had fat removed and added, you name it. I’ve gone through extreme dieting, from yo-yo dieting to actually starving myself, and even only eating porridge for six weeks.

‘To each lady who’s listening, to their own. Whatever makes you feel good about yourself. 

The truth is, I mostly receive criticism from women. However, they don’t know me personally. They’re unaware of the incredibly difficult experiences I’ve faced in my life – it’s been a constant struggle. They don’t know what my home life is like.

Shirley shared that she continues to have a hard time accepting how she looks, and she even finds it challenging to look at her reflection in a mirror.

She explained: ‘I really dislike looking at my reflection. I tell all my students – even while I’m teaching them – “Don’t look in mirrors! Please don’t make me look in the mirror. You need to focus on your partner.”‘

I’m not a fan of mirrors. They reflect reality, and I don’t appreciate that. My advice to every woman is simple: do whatever makes you happy. I used to be a curvy woman, and if being curvy makes you feel good about yourself, that’s wonderful.

I’m still on a journey to figure things out – to discover what truly makes me comfortable. I honestly feel happier and healthier when I’m, well, a bit slimmer than I am currently, to put it simply.

Oh my gosh, you won’t *believe* how much work Shirley puts in! Even though she looks absolutely stunning on the Strictly judging panel, she told me she spends *weeks* getting ready for the show. It’s because she’s so worried about how she’ll look sitting next to the other judges! Can you imagine? She’s a perfectionist, and I just adore her for it!

She explained: ‘I’ve spent the last six weeks preparing for Strictly, and I’m focusing on my health – juicing, eating smaller portions, and making sure I drink plenty of water. I’m really trying to be the best version of myself.’

Sometimes I’ll be looking at something, and my friends will say, “Oh, go on, take it, don’t you think you’ve earned it?” Then I start wondering what I’ll look like sitting at that desk. I’d be next to Anton Du Beke, who’s quite slim, you know.

I sit beside Motsi, who is a lovely person to look at, and then Craig, at the end of the row. I really don’t want to appear like an elderly person with flabby arms. I *am* a pensioner, you see. I have a train pass, a bus pass, and I receive free prescriptions. I’m a pensioner, in the traditional sense.

Shirley explained that she tries her best to maintain her appearance, making sure to drink plenty of water and moisturise often.

Earlier this month, Shirley shared that she feels ’20 years younger’ after showing off the results of her non-surgical facelift.

Shirley spent a significant £4,400 on advanced cosmetic treatments, including a series of NeoGen nitrogen plasma treatments performed by leading Harley Street doctor, Dr Johanna Ward.

Following seven months of treatments, the BBC personality appears remarkably youthful, revealing her impressive transformation and sharing that she feels much more confident and prepared for the upcoming season of Strictly, which begins on Saturday.

Shirley shared that a week ago, while posting photos on Instagram of her 65th birthday celebration with her mother, she received some unpleasant comments. Several women remarked that her mother looked fantastic, but then added that Shirley must have had a lot of cosmetic surgery, including facelifts.

Let me be clear – I’ve never had a facelift, not even a minor one. I mean, if you look closely, you’ll see I don’t have any stitches or scars.

Beginning this year, Shirley received six treatments using NeoGen nitrogen plasma at the W1 Skin Clinic in London. These treatments were performed to improve her skin.

This process is completely gentle and doesn’t require any incisions. It encourages your body to naturally create more collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins for achieving healthy, glowing skin.

Shirley has tried these treatments before, but she shared that they’ve made a significant, positive impact on her life. She described the results as life-changing.

She explained: ‘I honestly didn’t expect to feel this good about myself at 65. Turning 60, I was really worried about getting older and how my appearance would change. I noticed things like dark spots and tired-looking skin, and my jawline was starting to sag, which made me panic. So, I began looking into all the different treatments available.’

After seeing photos of her before and after treatment, Shirley shared: ‘Looking in the mirror now, I see a completely refreshed face. It wasn’t just a small change-it was a major difference.’

I’ve noticed a more defined jawline. My skin is much clearer – I don’t have as many blemishes. It also looks brighter and healthier. There used to be a mark on my forehead, but it’s gone now. Plus, my neck looks significantly improved. Honestly, I’m really impressed with the results.

Shirley went on to say, ‘I believe my investment in Neogen and Dr. Johanna Ward has paid off. I’ve really gotten into my NeoGen treatments, and I also consistently take my collagen supplements, along with the skin creams Dr. Ward recommended.’

I think my skin looks about 45 years old, and I’m really happy I’ve been consistent with my skincare routine and taken good care of myself.

Listen to the full interview on We Need To Talk With Paul Brunson, available now. 

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2025-09-30 10:51