Shirley Ballas tearful over health woes as she misses chance to see son at Christmas

Shirley Ballas has shared her emotional message to her loyal legion of fans as she misses out on the chance to visit her son for the second year in a row.

The Strictly Come Dancing star was heartbroken on Monday after she realised it was too dangerous for herself and her family if she travelled to the United States to spend Christmas with her son Mark.

After the devastating realisation, the 61-year-old reached out to her fiercely loyal followers for support as she opened up about how she has been struggling to come to terms with missing out on festive celebrations as a family once again.

Despite playing the role of the wicked queen in the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the mum-of-one confessed she was “trying not to cry” as she sent a hug to her son overseas.

The professional dancer posted an emotional video from her dressing room backstage during which she opened up about her struggles with getting into the festive spirit whilst her family live so far away.

She told her 235,000 followers online: “So, here at panto. I can hear the staff outside being naughty boys but anyway, yeah, a little bit of an emotionally day today.

“Not sure if there’s a lockdown, isn’t there a lockdown? Will we get to see loved ones? Won’t we get to see loved ones?

“As you know, I haven’t been able to see my son, as many of you have not been able to see your loved ones, because he lives in Los Angeles.”

She went on: “But for some reason this morning it was ultra-difficult so I can sort of shake it off a bit now and start getting ready for panto.

“But tell me about your loved ones and what everyone’s planning for Christmas and I will do my very best not to cry.

“Anyway, love you all – lots of hugs, I’m going to give myself a hug and send a hug to my boy and to all my loved ones, thank you. Take care.”

Shirley also added a lengthy caption and explained that she wouldn’t be travelling “for the foreseeable future” as she reflected on the dangers of the new variant of Covid-19.

She penned: “A mother’s emotional day. Lots going on. Missing my boy more than ever @markballas. As a mother I always took for granted that I could fly to see him.

“Over the last two years, when told to lockdown it becomes so much more difficult to plan.

“Now with the new variant we are on high alert it seems again. So all travel for the foreseeable future for me is out.”

She explained: “Heart breaking because I kept the thought of seeing him in March so close to my heart and now it may not happen.

“I’m a little crushed today to say the least, always strong and upbeat for others but with the last few years we have all had and now the new variant it will take massive strength to overcome my feelings.

“But today I’ll go with the emotions and let them out, and hoping for all my friends out there you will soon be reunited with your loved ones at home and abroad.”

The star also included a sweet picture of her hugging her son in a loving embrace while the spent time with each other more than two years ago before the pandemic struck.

She added: “I’ve posted a pic of Mark and I and a hug I took for granted. Holding on tight for the next one.

“Sending love to all today and I’ll be gathering strength from you xxx.”

And the star was soon flooded with an outpouring of support from her celebrity friends and loyal fans online.

Professional dancer Johannes Rabede penned: “Sending my love Shirley, nothing devastating like missing your beloveds,” with a crying and love heart emoji.

Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips added: “Oh I understand how hard it must be not to reach out and hug your beautiful talented boy.

“I was shocked and tearful when doing #ImACelebrity as to how much I missed my daughters.

“Their hugs are everything to me. Thinking of you and sending a virtual hug,” with a heart emoji.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk