Strictly Come Dancing’s fiery head judge Shirley Ballas has sent fans into a frenzy by revealing she’s back on the dating scene – just over a year after her heartbreaking split from toyboy fiancé Danny Taylor, 52.

In an explosive exclusive interview, the 65-year-old Latin dance legend confessed: ‘I may have had a date or two!’ – words that have left millions of Strictly viewers buzzing with excitement.

The bombshell comes after Shirley called time on her six-year relationship with actor Danny in late 2024, following their decision to scrap wedding plans. The couple, who met during pantomime rehearsals for Jack and the Beanstalk in 2018, had once seemed inseparable – with Shirley gushing that Danny was ‘the one’ and even getting engaged in 2021.

But cracks appeared, with Shirley later admitting they ‘weren’t growing together anymore’. Distance played a brutal role too – Shirley based in London caring for her 88-year-old mum Audrey, while Danny stayed rooted in Liverpool. The long-distance commute proved a killer, and by November 2024, the romance was over.

Now, in 2026, the Queen of Latin is refusing to dwell on the past. Instead, she’s flipping the script on love – and her new criteria will shock anyone who thought she was all about younger men and steamy chemistry.

‘Humour. I like somebody with some intellect,’ Shirley declared boldly. ‘Generosity, too. I’ve always been the one who pays for everybody, so it’s actually quite nice when they say, “No, I’ve got this.” I think, “Oh, this is nice.” Somebody who’s smart, well-kept, takes care of themselves. I like that kind of guy.’

Gone are the days of chasing ‘toyboy’ thrills – Shirley is now hunting for depth, brains and genuine connection, proving that at 65, she’s wiser, sexier and far more selective than ever.

She’s not rushing in blindly, either. ‘I’m very careful,’ she stressed. ‘I will only date somebody I’ve known for a long time.’ After a lifetime of relationship rollercoasters – including two failed marriages – Shirley knows exactly what she wants… and what she won’t tolerate.

Her first marriage to dance partner Sammy Stopford lasted just four years from 1980. Then came the passionate union with Corky Ballas (father of her son, pro dancer Mark) from 1985 to 2007 – a fiery partnership that produced world titles but ended in heartbreak.

Shirley has openly called her love life ‘a disaster’ in the past, even joking she won’t be remembered for successful relationships. But post-Danny, she’s focused on family, her glittering Strictly career and self-care – including a recent scary health scare when she fell backwards, smashing her head on a glass dressing table and needing a precautionary brain scan. Mercifully, she was ‘very lucky’ and bounced back, even posting sizzling lingerie snaps to prove she’s still got it!

Despite the mishap, Shirley’s energy is electric. She’s gearing up for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2026 – 30 massive arena shows across the UK, complete with celebrity couples, jaw-dropping routines and crowds of over 10,000 screaming fans each night.

‘I love meeting the crowds,’ she beamed. ‘I feel I should give as much time as I can to make them feel special.’

So, could Strictly’s toughest judge soon be twirling into a new romance with a brainy, generous gent who picks up the tab and matches her wit? Fans are already speculating wildly – will he be a fellow intellectual, perhaps from the world of arts or science? Or someone completely unexpected?

One thing’s for sure: Shirley Ballas is no longer settling. At 65, she’s embracing her power, her sensuality and her smarts – and demanding a partner who can keep up on every level.

This isn’t just a comeback – it’s a full-blown renaissance! The Queen of Latin is ready to dance into a new chapter, and the world is watching with bated breath.

Will true love finally waltz her way? Or will Shirley continue to dazzle solo, proving that the most electrifying partnership might just be with herself?

Either way, one thing is crystal clear: Shirley Ballas is hotter, happier and hungrier for life than ever before – and romance has never looked so exciting!