Strictly Come Dancing Judge Shirley Ballas Reveals Unconventional Phobia in New Netflix Series
In a rare glimpse into her personal life, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has revealed that she struggles with an unconventional phobia - untidy spaces. The 64-year-old is set to star in the new Netflix series "Celebrity Bear Hunt", where adventurer Bear Grylls will challenge a group of famous faces to undergo physically demanding tasks in the Costa Rican jungle.
Ballas, known as the Queen of Latin, was one of the contestants flown out to the jungle for the show. In an interview, she explained that her phobia is so severe that she needs to have a bottle of Domestos with her at all times to maintain hygiene and cleanliness. If she fears that even a single hair or surface remains untidied, despite her best efforts, it would be enough to make her feel anxious.
"I have to have my bottle of Domestos with me so that I can keep everything totally sterilised and, you know, leave every area that I've been in super immaculate for the next person going in," Ballas said. "I'm a little OCD, I suppose."
Despite her unusual phobia, Ballas is confident about participating in the show and has expressed her enthusiasm to be part of the team dynamic as a "mummy figure" to the other contestants.
"I feel my place in the team dynamic being the eldest person here at 64, I will be that mummy figure," she explained. "I'm a great listener, and if I see something starting to kick off, I'll be the one that tries to resolve it."
The Netflix series Celebrity Bear Hunt, which premieres globally on February 6 next year, also features other famous faces including former tennis star Boris Becker, Spice Girl Melanie Brown, Changing Rooms star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and model Lottie Moss.
Celebrity Bear Hunt follows in the footsteps of popular survival shows where contestants face physical challenges and obstacles in a bid to stay in the game. In this series, Ballas will face off against adventurer Bear Grylls, who is notorious for pushing his contestants to their limits.
The show's other contestants include retired rugby player Danny Cipriani, TV host Steph McGovern, TV cook Big Zuu, The Saturdays star Una Healy, The Inbetweeners actor Joe Thomas, model and TV presenter Leomie Anderson, and Ted Lasso star Kola Bokinni.
Despite their varied backgrounds, the contestants are expected to form strong bonds and work together in the face of adversity.
In an effort to prepare for the show, Ballas has maintained a rigorous fitness routine, including exercises at home and daily walks. She also believes that being open about her phobia will help others see beyond any perceived weaknesses.
"I've done my bit," Ballas said. "I've done the best that I can for it."