Shirley Ballas says her upcoming saucy romance novels 'might be Sixty Shades Of Grey'

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has pledged to give Fifty Shades of Grey author E. L. James a run for her money with her saucy new romance novel.

Ballas told the Daily Star she is channelling her love for raunchy fiction into the two novels she is writing as part of a deal with HarperCollins subsidiary HQ.

Read more: Shirley Ballas reveals her kidneys are cancer-free

The first of the 61-year-old's two upcoming books, entitled Murder On The Dancefloor, is due to be released next year.

“I’ve always enjoyed a bit of Mills and Boon. And I enjoy writing. I have a very vivid imagination," said the ballroom dancer.

Watch: Shirley Ballas vows to wear racy outfits on Strictly Come Dancing

She added: "So my novels will be about sex, intrigue and lies. They might be a bit Fifty Shades Of Grey. In fact, they might be Sixty Shades Of Grey by the time I’ve finished.

"I think mums will love them. When you’re reading them, you can go back to being your younger self and enjoy it."

Read more: Shirley Ballas reveals horrible experience with COVID-19

Ballas said her books will be "amazing reads" and also teased that she will include real stories from the world of celebrity in her books, but won't be naming names.

"I don’t know if people will realise I’m writing about them. Maybe they will," she said.

Ballas, who will return to the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel this year, has spoken openly about the importance of continuing to feel sexy as she enters her sixties.

Speaking in September, she said she retains a healthy sex life with partner Danny Taylor and enjoys "Horlicks and sex" before bed.

Read more: Shirley Ballas hints at engagement to Danny Taylor

Ballas added: "It’s still important to me to feel sexy. I think every woman wants to feel that way. Everybody wants to have that sensual appeal and I don’t think you ever lose it."

Based on her recent comments, it seems that the star's upcoming foray into the literary world will fully embrace that ethos as well.

Watch: Could the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall host Strictly special?