Shirley Ballas admits 12-year age gap between her and her boyfriend was an ‘issue’ for her

Shirley Ballas has opened up in regards to the age gap between her and her boyfriend, admitting that being 12 years older than him was an ‘issue’ for her at first.

Strictly Come Dancing’s head choose Shirley, 59, was frightened about being seen because the ‘older woman’ when she began dating Daniel Taylor, 47.

The couple confirmed their relationship in March this year, and Shirley revealed that the feedback about her being older than him did grate on her.

She informed Saga Magazine: ‘It makes me cross when he is described as a toy boy. He is a 47-year-old grown man who could make his personal selections. He will not be 18.

‘You can have a man who is 25 years older than his girlfriend and no one says anything.’

She revealed that the pair spoke about the age difference at length at the beginning of their relationship: ‘When I first bought along with Danny it was an situation for me, and we sat for many hours speaking about it.

‘I don’t wish to go right into a relationship that may’t go anyplace. I don’t need his son, aged eight, to get to know somebody who’s right here immediately and gone tomorrow.’

The pair met throughout rehearsals for panto, once they each starred in Jack and the Beanstalk final yr, and the dance champion admitted he made her ‘feel like a teenager’ once more.

She not too long ago admitted that she may be fully herself round Danny, telling Platinum journal: ‘With Danny I can actually, actually, actually be myself.

‘I have no inhibitions. It would have been dressing gown on, trying to put the dress on without even showing a little bit of flesh and now it’s like I’m free! I’m free!’

She added: ‘Danny’s confirmed me the way in which, notably on the subject of vanity and how a lady ought to really feel about herself.

‘He’s taught me that God made every girl distinctive and that’s what makes you particular. When you’re a youngster, it’s extra bodily first and then you definately get to know one another.

‘What happened with Danny and I, we got to know each other first and at my age, the most important thing was the intellectual side of it, the fact that he was such a good person.’

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