BBC star Shirley Ballas looks unrecognisable in 48-year-old throwback photo

A BBC star has given fans a blast from the past, posting a glamorous throwback photo that shows her looking dramatically different from the public figure she is today. Shirley Ballas, a longtime face on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and a judge on the popular ballroom series, shared the black-and-white image on Monday, revealing it was taken 48 years ago when she was just 17. She wrote in the caption that the snap captured the “17th birthday at the beginning of my career.”

Ballas is best known for her work on Strictly Come Dancing, a show that returned to screens over the weekend with a brand-new series. The BBC has positioned this season as a continuation of the franchise, with Ballas taking her seat on the judging panel as a new group of celebrities hit the dance floor. The launch marked a dramatic moment for fans and participants alike, coming amid a year of high-profile headlines surrounding the show.

The weekend debut of the new Strictly lineup drew strong numbers. Overnight ratings for the launch reached up to 5.6 million viewers, with the show averaging about 5.4 million across the two-hour broadcast. BBC figures indicate that these numbers matched the performance of the 2024 launch, underscoring the program’s staying power in a crowded autumn television slate. Analysts note that the overnight data does not account for on-demand viewing through BBC iPlayer, where millions more regularly catch up on episodes.

Despite the high viewership, Strictly Come Dancing has weathered a steady drumbeat of controversy this year. Reports have touched on bullying claims within the production, a drugs probe involving participants, and sensational headlines surrounding certain contestants’ personal lives. In August, the BBC confirmed it would stand by contestant Thomas Skinner amid allegations he had cheated on his wife, a development that added fuel to a broader narrative about the show’s off-camera turbulence. Separately, there have been ongoing discussions about the show’s handling of allegations of abusive behavior toward pro dancers, including prominent professionals. The series has also confronted a long-running fan debate about what fans call the “Strictly curse,” in which relationships between contestants and their professional partners pop up during or after the series.

Among the broader coverage of the new season, the network also released the official lineup for 2025, highlighting a diverse group of celebrities spanning sport, acting, reality TV, and other fields. The roster includes Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, drag performer La Voix, and reality TV figures such as Thomas Skinner and Dani Dyer, along with former footballer Karen Carney, reality personality Vicky Pattison, and several other well-known names. The mix underscores the show’s aim to blend familiar faces with fresh talent, all under the eye of Ballas and the other judges as they evaluate each performance.

As in prior seasons, the format centers on pairs of celebrities and professional dancers, with the contestants performing a range of styles from ballroom to Latin and then competing for audience votes and judges’ scores. The 2025 launch episode featured a group routine as the new couples prepared to begin their individual journeys on the dance floor. The show’s producers have emphasized that, despite the headlines surrounding the program, Strictly remains a centerpiece of BBC’s autumn lineup, drawing families and devoted followers to weekly viewing.

Beyond the on-screen competition, the broader narrative around Strictly Come Dancing this year includes renewed attention to how the show handles internal dynamics, casting decisions, and the accountability of participants and staff. The BBC has reiterated its commitment to a professional and respectful work environment, even as it navigates sensitive topics raised by staff and affiliates. Viewers are watching not only for the glamour of the costumes and choreography but also for how the program responds to scrutiny that has followed it through recent seasons.

For Ballas, the throwback post offers a personal glimpse into her early years before she rose to the public spotlight on one of Britain’s most-watched entertainment programs. The image hearkens back to a moment when she was beginning what would become a long and influential career in dance and television, a path that eventually led her to a life of international recognition on Strictly Come Dancing. Fans and observers alike have responded with a mix of nostalgia and curiosity, parsing the caption for hints about her first steps in the industry and how those early years connected to the star she is today.

In addition to Ballas’s presence, the 2025 lineup signals a continued push to diversify the show’s cast and to refresh the judging panel with voices that resonate with a broad audience. The show’s production team has emphasized the importance of balancing entertainment with integrity, a challenge that has been underscored by recent controversy but also buoyed by a loyal viewer base that remains invested in the performances, the drama, and the relationships that unfold across the ballroom.

As the new series progresses, audiences will be watching to see how Ballas’s judging perspective intersects with the dynamics of the season’s contestants, how the show addresses ongoing allegations and scrutiny, and how the cast and crew navigate the pressures of live television and social media scrutiny alike. The throwback post serves as a reminder of the broader arc of her career—from a 17-year-old stepping into the public eye to a prominent figure guiding one of Britain’s most beloved entertainment franchises through a pivotal year.