BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas devastated after death of 'beloved' friend

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas is in mourning after the passing of her close friend and fellow dance industry icon, Pat Thompson. The 63 year old expressed her sorrow on Instagram stories this Friday morning, posting a touching tribute to her "beloved" friend.

Shirley shared a poignant black and white photo of Pat with a dance partner, writing: "Such very sad news about our beloved Pat Thompson. RIP to an icon and inspiration of our dancing world. You will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace darling Pam with George x."

The sad news comes shortly after Shirley herself faced health scares, having undergone tests for cancer following three biopsies. Fortunately, she was able to share good news with her followers, announcing that the tests showed "no cancer present".

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On Instagram, she reached out to her 334,000 followers with a heartfelt message: "Thank you to you all for your well-wishes following my two mammograms, one ultrasound and three biopsies last week."

"I am feeling blessed to share that my results have come back all clear - there is no cancer present. X" (sic), reports the Express. In her post, Shirley also acknowledged the support from Macmillan Cancer Support and gave a nod to her Strictly colleague Amy Dowden, who has been courageously sharing her own journey with breast cancer.

Sharing a selfie from her hospital bed, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge told her followers: "Sharing the picture to my story last week very much triggered my emotions, but I feel it's only right for me to share both the highs and the lows of life."

She added: "If I was able to help just one lady, then sharing my picture was worth it. I got my recall while on holiday and I immediately cleared my diary to allow for the appointment. I urge all women to do the same. Please do not put your mammogram, smear test or in fact any appointment off. They really can change your life," Shirley stressed.

"Who knows what may have happened if I put mine off? Get booked, get checked, get your body MOT everyone. With immense gratitude to friends, family and fans who reached out. I appreciate you more than you know."