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Strictly judge Shirley Ballas’ heartbreaking news days before final as co-stars rally round(Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has received an outpouring of support following the announcement of a family bereavement.

The renowned dancer is set to return to television screens on Saturday (December 20) for the programme’s grand finale. The remaining contestants, including Amber Davies, George Clarke and Karen Carney, will compete for the coveted Glitterball trophy.

Yet, mere days ahead of the final, Shirley has experienced profound heartbreak. On Wednesday evening (December 17), she took to Instagram to confirm that her cherished aunt – whom she regarded as a “second mum” – had d!ed.

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The television personality posted multiple photographs of herself with her aunt, accompanied by a deeply moving tribute. She penned: “My dearest Auntie Mavis … where do I begin.

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Shirley has shared some sad news(Image: BBC)

“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 l’d say ‘no you don’t know Mavis’. That one was my favourite.”, reports the Mirror.

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Shirley went on: “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.

“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.”

Shirley concluded the heartfelt tribute, saying: “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.

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She will be back on screens for the Strictly final(Image: Kieron McCarron/BBC/PA Wire)

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“I’ll treasure every single memory I ever had with you. Rest in peace beautiful Mavis. Hugs and love, Shirley and Audrey. X.”

Fellow celebrities and supporters were quick to offer their condolences in the comments. Claudia Winkleman wrote: “Sending all my love,” whilst Neil Jones posted an orange heart emoji.

One supporter commented: “So sorry for your loss. Your mum has lost her beautiful friend.” Another added: “Aw bless you all, so sorry for your loss….. Sending so much love to you all and may Mavis rest in peace.” A third wrote: “Sorry for your loss, sending love to you both rest in peace Mavis.”