Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas surgery over cancer risk

Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas has revealed that she is due to undergo surgery as a precaution, following a number of cancer diagnoses in her family.

The Strictly judge told The Sun that she has an operation to remove her breast implants scheduled for next month, after learning that they can reduce the effectiveness of a mammogram.

Shirley also revealed that she doesn't intend to miss any upcoming live shows following the surgery.

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"I've been to a new doctor and I'm scheduled for the operation on Tuesday, October 29," she said. "My doctor says I have recuperation of a week, but I want to do Strictly on the Saturday night. It's not like I have to dance and do the Cha Cha Cha or the Samba."

The Latin champion went on to explain her decision to remove the implants, saying that a nurse had told her during a routine mammogram that there was "no guarantee" they could check the tissue "behind the back of the implants" for signs of cancer.

After both her mum and aunt were diagnosed with cancer, Shirley decided to research the potential benefits of having her implants removed.

"I spoke to the BBC and they have been very, very supportive. They said you have to do what you feel most comfortable for your health," she said, promising that the surgery will have little impact on her job as head judge.

It will be business as usual for Shirley and the rest of the Strictly panel this weekend, as the celebrities prepare to take to the dancefloor for the second time.

Want to know who's dancing what? The list of week two's performances is right here.

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 continues on Saturday (September 28) at 6.40pm on BBC One.

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