Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has been hospitalized following a frightening accident at home, sparking widespread concern among fans and media outlets on January 17, 2026.

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The 65-year-old ballroom dancing legend revealed she suffered a “scary” backwards fall, striking her head on a glass dressing table, which prompted an immediate trip to the hospital for precautionary checks, including a brain scan.

In a heartfelt update shared on her Instagram Stories earlier today, Shirley addressed well-wishers directly: “Thank you to all who reached out to see how I’m doing. Scary fall backwards hitting my head on the glass dressing table :(. Trip to hospital to get a brain scan. Fortunately for me no cracked skull. I’ll rest a few days to heal my neck and back.”

She expressed deep gratitude for the support she received, thanking fellow professional dancer Barbara McColl for securing an emergency appointment and her ex-husband Sammy Stopford (married from 1980 to 1984) for accompanying her and staying by her side all day. “Hugs and thank you… Gratitude, as the doctor said I was very lucky,” she added, ending with a heart emoji.

The incident has drawn immediate headlines across UK media, with outlets like the Daily Mail, Express, Mirror, Manchester Evening News, and The Standard reporting on the “horror accident” and fears of a fractured skull that, thankfully, were ruled out. Shirley is now focusing on recovery, taking time to rest and heal her neck and back injuries.

This comes at a busy time for the Strictly star. She is scheduled to join fellow judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, which kicks off next week (starting January 23 at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena) and runs through February 15 with 30 shows nationwide. Fans are hopeful her short rest period won’t impact her participation, as she remains a central figure in the show’s ongoing success.

Shirley, known as the “Queen of Latin,” has been head judge on the BBC hit since 2017. Beyond the dance floor, she has been open about personal challenges, including advocating for men’s mental health following her brother’s suicide in 2003, and dealing with past online abuse and a stalker incident. More recently, she shared in interviews that she’s dipping back into dating after her 2024 split from Danny Taylor, emphasizing she’s open to connections without labels.

Her resilience shines through in this update—turning a scary moment into one of appreciation and positivity. Get well soon, Shirley! Fans worldwide are sending love and hoping for a speedy recovery so she can dazzle on the tour.