Shirley Ballas shrugs off dating app rejection: “I’m not out here looking for love”

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has brushed off questions about her love life, stressing she isn’t actively searching for romance despite her recent experiences on celebrity dating apps.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain, the 65-year-old ballroom expert explained she had been turned down — not once but three times — by the exclusive dating platform Raya. “My PA was accepted straight away, but for some reason I wasn’t,” she said with a smile. “I sent in all the information, had recommendations from friends, and thought it might be nice to have a little date. But no — rejected!”

When presenter Susanna Reid asked whether ageism might be behind the snub, Ballas replied: “I really don’t know. We’ve done everything we can, but it’s impossible to get someone on the phone. Still, it’s fine.”

Ballas revealed that, over the years, she has become adept at spotting men more interested in her public profile than in who she is. While she’s open to “a pleasant evening out” — a coffee or a walk with good company — she emphasised she’s “not looking for love” right now.

The TV judge recently opened up about the end of her relationship with actor Danny Taylor, 53, whom she met during a pantomime production in 2018. After four years of being single, Ballas became engaged to Taylor in 2021, but the pair quietly separated a few months ago.

Speaking to The Mirror, she reflected on the breakup: “There was never any doubt about how much I loved him. He came into my life when I really needed someone, and he was incredibly caring. But as time went on there were red flags I ignored, and the relationship became too difficult for me.”

Describing Taylor as “a drifter by nature”, Ballas said they could go days without speaking after disagreements. She also quipped that her “toyboy days are behind me,” noting that she now prefers partners aged between 55 and 70 “if they’re fit

FAQ: Shirley Ballas and Her Dating App Experience

who is shirley ballas?

shirley ballas is a british ballroom dancer, dance coach, and television personality best known as the head judge on the bbc show strictly come dancing.

why is shirley ballas in the news right now?

she recently appeared on good morning britain and spoke about being rejected by the celebrity dating app raya after three attempts.

what is raya?

raya is an exclusive, members-only dating app often used by celebrities, influencers, and people in the entertainment industry.

why did raya reject shirley ballas?

shirley said she doesn’t know why she was turned down. she mentioned she sent all the required information and had friends recommend her, but still wasn’t accepted.

did shirley ballas blame ageism for being rejected?

when asked on good morning britain whether it might be ageism, she replied she had “no idea” why she was rejected.

is shirley ballas currently looking for love?

no. she stressed she is not “looking for love” but would enjoy a nice date, a walk, or coffee with someone pleasant.

what happened with shirley ballas and danny taylor?

she met actor danny taylor during a pantomime in 2018. they got engaged in 2021 but split a few months ago. she said there were “red flags” she ignored and the relationship became too difficult.

what kind of partner does shirley ballas prefer now?

she said her “toyboy days are behind” and now prefers someone aged between 55 and 70 if they’re fit.

how old is shirley ballas?

she is 65 years old.

what is shirley ballas’s advice about dating apps?

while she hasn’t given official advice, she’s implied that even with celebrity status, acceptance isn’t guaranteed and it’s important not to take rejection personally.