Shirley Ballas bedbound with mystery illness days before first Strictly live show: 'I've caught something'
Shirley Ballas has been struck with illness just days before the first Strictly live show of 2023
BBC
Shirley Ballas faces a last-minute dash to make the first live show of this year's Strictly Come Dancing after being struck down with illness.
The 63-year-old shared a series of videos from her bed on Wednesday afternoon as she admitted she was resting in order to try and make Saturday's spectacle.
Ballas was being tended to by her mother and didn't reveal exactly what she was suffering from but it was enough to confine her to her bed for the day.
"What a difference a day makes," Ballas told her Instagram followers as she began her update while lying on her pillows.
The Strictly judge continued: "So back from Rome where it was busy, lots of people, and then in the studio because we're running up to the Royal Albert Hall International Championships...
"And yes, I think I've caught something so not very well today," Ballas added before she revealed her health woes made her unable to go to work as well.
WATCH NOW: Shirley Ballas reveals mystery illness
However, Ballas tried to remain positive with the prospect of Saturday keeping her going as she said: "But I want to rest and make sure I'm ready for Strictly on Saturday."
Filling her time, Ballas then asked her followers for help with buying an air fryer before she turned her attention to the weekend and the BBC competition's first live show.
"Anyone else feeling under the weather, sending you lots of love and cuddles, and really excited about Saturday," Ballas continued.
"Oh my gosh, wait till you see this show, it is phenomenal.
"I think actually all of them will be staying until the final, they are all that good," Ballas teased.
A few hours after her first update, Ballas shared another clip still from her bed as she shared the adorable way her mother is trying to make her feel better.
Holding up the plate of food her mum prepped, Ballas said: "Feeling poo-poo but mum makes you two boiled eggs in your favourite little pot with feet and some toast.
"I never eat toast - and black tea. So what would I do without my mum? I feel blessed, yeah."
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Should she make a recovery, Ballas is set to join fellow Strictly judges Anton du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse on the judging panel on Saturday evening.
This past weekend saw the 15 celebs paired up with their professional dancer partners ahead of the competition - with pro dancers Nadiya Bychkova and Neil Jones notable absentees.
The stars have been sharing regular updates from rehearsals in the days building up to their first routines, including Angela Rippon who vented her "anger" at "mucking up" her practice sessions with partner Kai Widdrington.
The 78-year-old is the oldest competitor to take to the dance floor on Strictly and is hoping to prove any doubters wrong by wowing on Saturday evening.
She's even been backed by former Strictly pro Ian Waite who's tipped Rippon to go the distance despite her age in an exclusive chat with GB News earlier this month.