Shirley has taken to social media to reveal the sad news (Image: BBC)

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has shared a heartbreaking announcement with her fans on social media. The BBC star informed her followers that her Auntie Mavis has died. Taking to Instagram just days before the 2025 Strictly final, Ballas uploaded a photo of herself smiling with Mavis, as well as a series of images with Mavis and Shirley’s mother, Audrey. The Strictly Come Dancing judge added the caption: “My dearest Auntie Mavis … where do I begin. How I’ll miss you so very much. I’ll miss all your sayings of “you’re right love”, “do you know what I mean like love”, “yeah I know” and I’d say “no you don’t know Mavis”. That one was my favourite.

“Mavis was always there for me and my family, she had been like a second mum to me. Mum and I are sad you’re not here with us any more, Mavis. We will treasure the memories. Mum has many that’s for sure. Her best friend of over 65 years.

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“The bond between Mavis and my mother was absolutely unbreakable. We will miss every minute of every second not chatting with you, talking with you and you making us laugh with all your antics.

“May you rest in peace now with your beautiful daughter Helen and your wonderful husband. We will celebrate you often, talk about you often, laugh often with all the things that you and my mum got up to. I truly thought that you would live forever, Mavis.

“Thank you for always being there for me through the ups, through the downs and through all the parts of my life. Thank you for tuning into @bbcstrictly and then switching off after you’d seen my dress. That always made me smile.”

Ballas concluded that she will “treasure every single memory” she had with her aunt. She has been flooded with plenty of support from her fans who have sent her words of sympathy.

One follower said: “Oh no, so sorry to hear this Shirley. What sad news. Sending lots of love to you and Audrey xxx.”

A second also chimed in: “so incredibly sorry for your loss Shirley. sending so much love. X.” A third also similarly echoed: ” I’m so sorry for your loss Shirley. Sending love & prayers to you & your family.”