Shirley Ballas says 'with a heavy heart' as she issues tribute after sad loss
Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas shared a statement to Instagram "with a heavy heart" as she announced the death of a close friend. The 64-year old dancer dedicated an Instagram post to one of her dance partners, Andrew Sinkinson, as she reminisced over her favourite memories with him in a heartfelt written statement.
Shirley announced she had known Andrew "since I was 13." She said: "Dearest Andrew Sinkinson. With a heavy heart I write this today. A very sad day as we say a final goodbye to such a beautiful man."
She added: "I have so many stories and so many memories over the years from competing with him, traveling and touring the world, to just generally be a part of his life. I’d receive messages from him just checking in to see how I was doing.
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"He was kind, he was thoughtful, he was caring, he was loving, but most of all he was a master of his trade. That being, ballroom dancing."
The professional dancing judge from Wallasey was deeply affected by the news of losing her friend. She said Andrew had perfected the art of ballroom, and "you couldn’t watch a foxtrot without thinking of Andrew."
She added: "Andrew was in my opinion one of the greatest dancers I ever saw in my entire life. I will cherish all the memories that I’ve had with him from the very beginning until the day he left us."
She ended the written post with an emotional final message: "Andrew was a remarkable man, a beautiful friend, a wonderful husband to Irina and a great father to Sophie and Mark. He will be missed by all. But one day Andrew, we will all meet again in wonderful heaven. I know he’s dancing his Foxtrot right now and I’ll see you soon for a Cha Cha Cha. Rest in peace. Xx"
Shirley joined BBC Strictly Come Dancing as head judge in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. Her followers took to the comments on her Instagram post to send their love. One said: "This is so emotional. I'm sorry for your loss." Another added: "Sending you lots of love Shirley."
Shirley is currently back in Liverpool for the Strictly Come Dancing live tour which arrives at the M&S Bank Arena tomorrow. The tour will remain in Liverpool for two nights, tomorrow (January 28) and Wednesday (January 29) before moving to the the First Direct Arena Leeds on Thursday and Friday.
The celebrities taking part include actor Jamie Borthwick, broadcaster, presenter and opera singer Wynne Evans and model and TV personality Tasha Ghouri. They will be joined by Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, actress Sarah Hadland and singer Shayne Ward.
For the first time, judge Motsi Mabuse will join Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood across all UK tour dates. The tour is hosted by Janette Manrara who will ensure a high-energy evening.