Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas' ex-fiance announces family tragedy
Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas' ex-fiance, Danny Taylor, announced the death of his dad, "Roddas", with a heartbreaking tribute posted on Instagram.
Shirley Ballas' ex-fiance Danny Taylor's dad has died.
The 51-year-old actor - who was in a relationship with the Strictly Come Dancing judge from 2018 until 2024 - posted a heartbreaking tribute for "Roddas" on Instagram on Monday (04.05.26).
Danny shared multiple shots of his dad over the years with the caption: "Few days ago, I got the call that my dear dad (our Roddas) was booking his flight - heading off to the next place, where there’s plenty of family and good old pals waiting for him of course.
"That night we had the Glen Campbell on and the brandy out - the Taylor way. I put his LFC scarf on him and stayed up holding his hand.
"Every now and then he’d squeeze mine, just to check I hadn’t nipped off to the pub… haha. He knew me and his Float were there the whole time. (sic)"
The Bill alum continued: "The next day I went ahead with The Very Best of Tommy Cooper at Hull Truck Theatre. Some said not to, but it’s what he would’ve wanted - the show must go on.
"It ended up being one of my best shows, and that round of applause meant everything. He was there, smiling down.
"He set off just a few hours after I left - on his terms. Those angels upstairs of course have a very schedule to keep as well.
"We’d been through so much together. I don’t have the words, only that I loved him so very much. We were close, and he loved his kids and grandkids like his depended on it. (sic)"
The Brookside cast member concluded his emotional tribute: "Thank you to all the kind, selfless, caring souls at Wealdstone + Orchard Manor, for making his last few years so gentle and comfortable.
"We’re all going miss him so much. Fly high, Daddio. You legend. You’ll Never Walk Alone. Love your Dan Bones, Champion The Wonder Horse xxxxxx (sic)."
Danny's fans expressed their condolences in the post's comments section, as one penned: "Our hearts go out to you @danieltayloresq SO glad you got to spend quality time with him at the end. Would have meant SO much. Xx (sic)"
A second supporter typed: "Sending you a big hug. I was there at the Tommy Cooper show on Saturday night and he would have been bloody proud of you. xx (sic)"
And a third follower wrote: "I’m so sorry to hear this Dan I got to meet your amazing dad one time at footy. I know after our little chats how much you loved your dad RIP (sic)."
Danny and Shirley, 65, met during rehearsals for the Jack and the Beanstalk panto in 2018, and they got engaged the following year.
The Queen of Latin dumped Danny in 2024.
Shirley was married to former ballroom sensation Sammy Stopford, 69, from 1980 to 1984, before she said "I do" to dancer Corky Ballas, 64, in 1985; they split in 2007 after 22 years together.
And in January last year, Shirley declared she will never marry again.
