Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has revealed her beloved dad, George Andrew Rich, has died aged 83.
The professional choreographer, 60, announced her father died “suddenly,” admitting she was struggling to “find the right words” to describe her grief.
Shirley shared a statement on social media on Sunday afternoon, announcing his death and sending her thoughts to her father’s widow Liz.
“With sadness and a heavy heart my father George Andrew Rich fondly known as Andy, has passed away suddenly,” she wrote.
“My heart goes out to his wife Liz the love of his life who was with him for over 40 years and to all who knew him.
(Image: Instagram)
“It’s hard to find the right words at this moment, my father lost two sons in his lifetime and I hope you can all find each other in the after life.
“So many things left unsaid, RIP Dad you will be missed but not forgotten.”
The BBC star shared a series of pictures of herself with her father, with the two seen smiling at the camera at a variety of family gatherings.
(Image: Instagram)
Shirley and her brother David were born in Merseyside, with her father and mother separating when she was young.
Rising to fame as The Queen of Latin, she began her dance career aged seven and went on to win a number of championship titles thanks to her talent in the Latin division.
Shirley was predominantly raised by her mother Audrey, but the dancer reconnected with her dad later in life, reuniting following the tragic death of her brother David, who took his own life in 2003.
(Image: Instagram)
She told Radio Times: “My dad wasn’t part of my life until David died, when we grew closer. Now I love him to bits.”
The ballroom dancer remains incredibly close with her mother Audrey, who helped nurture her talent for dance throughout childhood.
“We are so close. It’s beyond anything… she’s my life,” she told The Mirror last year.
“I’m so grateful that I’m able to do this in a country that she loves, on a show that she sits and watches every week. I could never, ever give enough back to her, ever. She’s just an amazing human being.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
