Strictly's Shirley Ballas, 62, praised for before and after bikini snaps following 'struggles with weight issues'
Shirley Ballas has opened up about the 'weight issues' she's faced
PA
Shirley Ballas has been a familiar face on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel for a number of years now.
And while the dancing competition is no stranger to seeing its stars don all the glitz and glam available for their elaborate outfits, Ballas has taken to Instagram to strip all that back.
As she enjoys a holiday abroad ahead of the new series of Strictly, Ballas has shared with her fans a candid post.
Ballas posted two snaps of herself in a bikini, one from 2016 and one from this year.
The aim was for Ballas to express how "proud" she is of herself for being able to put her "weight issues" behind her and embrace her look.
Alongside the snaps, Ballas penned: "2023 vs 2016, taking care of myself at @jasonvale’s Juicy Oasis after struggling all my life with weight issues.
Shirley Ballas shared a before and after snap of herself in a bikini
INSTAGRAM/SHIRLEY BALLAS
"I’ve constantly had people tell me I needed to be thinner or that I had to look a certain way.
"Comments throughout my life have always stuck with me and in my past they’ve made me feel conscious of how I look.
"Sadly I thought that validation from others was necessary," the Strictly star admitted.
"But turning 63 in September and heading into my seventh series on @bbcstrictly I’m proud of myself and pleased with how I look.
"I feel good in my own skin," Ballas concluded before she added the hashtags: "#Confidence #throwback #fitness #feelgood."
Before long, Ballas' fans were quick to inundate the star with praise for her honesty about her struggles.
One fan penned in response: "Just a beautiful person inside and out. And look at that incredible figure. Once a dancers body always a dancers body. Bloody fantastic."
While a second weighed in: "Wow. Gorgeous. Incredible. Enjoy your juicy & strict weeks but please don’t let it rule your life. I say have the cake now and then or what’s the point? x."
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Shirley Ballas poses by the side of a pool in her swimsuit
INSTAGRAM/SHIRLEY BALLAS
And another echoed: "Perfect as you are and we love you as a judge on strictly. Looking forward to seeing you on the next series."
While a fourth also commented: "Wow, Shirley you look fab-u-lous! The haters will always hate but all that matters is your own health and happiness & knowing that you’re beautiful both inside and out."
Ballas' confidence has shone through throughout her break away.
Earlier this week, the dancer shared another swimsuit snap as she lounged by the side of a pool.
"Relaxing by the pool," she captioned the post from earlier this week. "I’m resting and getting fit and ready for the busy months ahead with my Skyathlon and @bbcstrictly.
"Enjoying four juices a day, colonics, yoga, long hikes, spin class and a gym at @jasonvale’s Juicy Oasis. There’s every form of fitness and a beautiful pool to relax in too." (sic)