Shirley Ballas Reveals She Received ‘Disdainful Stares’ at Her Father’s Funeral After Describing Him as a ‘Deadbeat Dad’
Shirley Ballas, widely recognized as a judge on *Strictly Come Dancing*, recently opened up about a deeply personal experience concerning her father’s funeral. In an emotional revelation, she shared that attendees cast “disdainful stares” upon her after she described her father, George, as a “deadbeat dad” in her autobiography. The 64-year-old television personality has had a fraught and tumultuous relationship with her father, who abandoned the family when she was just two years old, leaving a profound impact on her life.
Reflecting on a Complicated Relationship
In previews of her upcoming book, *Best Foot Forward*, Ballas candidly discussed her conflicting emotions upon her father’s passing in 2021 at the age of 83. She admitted to feeling detached during the funeral, as if she didn’t fully comprehend the weight of his death. Looking back, she noted the judgmental looks directed towards her, which seemed to stem from her honesty about their fraught relationship. She mentioned regretting the inclusion of the “deadbeat dad” reference in her book, expressing how it contributed to the uncomfortable atmosphere at the funeral. “I went to his funeral where I felt certain people were looking at me… there were definite disdainful stares,” she recalled.
The Impact of Alcoholism on Family Dynamics
Ballas elaborated on the volatile relationship she had with her father, primarily caused by his struggle with alcoholism. This not only affected her but also created a toxic environment for her mother, Audrey. In an attempt to highlight their estrangement, she chose to address him as “Andy” instead of the more affectionate “Dad,” underlining the distance that characterized their connection. Though she experienced a fleeting sense of grief at the funeral, she ultimately dismissed it, expressing her clear desire not to inherit anything from him, given that he provided her with little throughout her life.
Addressing Mental Health and Advocacy
Alongside her reflections about her father, Shirley Ballas has openly discussed her personal battles with anxiety and depression, particularly during her experiences with menopause. Compounding her struggles, she also shared how the tragic suicide of her brother in 2003 had a significant impact on her mental well-being. In response to these challenges, she has emerged as a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, founding the Ballas Foundation alongside her son, Mark. This initiative aims to provide support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues, further highlighted by her candid discussions about her own experiences.
Shirley Ballas’s revelations portray a complex web of emotions regarding her father’s absence and the profound effects of that relationship on her life. As she continues her advocacy work, she remains dedicated to raising awareness around mental health, ensuring others receive the support they need in memory of her brother.
