Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has revealed the passing of her beloved Auntie Mavis, sharing the devastating news with followers on Instagram on Wednesday evening.
The announcement comes just days before the BBC show's grand final on Saturday, where the remaining contestants will compete for the Glitterball trophy.
Ms Ballas, 65, posted several photographs alongside her late aunt, describing Mavis as someone who had been "like a second mum" to her throughout her life.
"My dearest Auntie Mavis... where do I begin. How I'll miss you so very much," the television star wrote in her emotional tribute.
Shirley Ballas shared an emotional post
| BBCThe loss has deeply affected both Shirley and her mother Audrey, who shared an extraordinarily close bond with Mavis spanning more than six decades.
In her heartfelt message, the dancer fondly recalled the distinctive phrases her aunt would often use, including "you're right love" and "do you know what I mean like love."
Ms Ballas shared that one particular exchange had become especially dear to her: "I'd say 'no you don't know Mavis'. That one was my favourite."
"The bond between Mavis and my mother was absolutely unbreakable," the judge wrote.
She expressed how much she and Audrey would miss their conversations with Mavis, adding: "We will miss every minute of every second not chatting with you, talking with you and you making us laugh with all your antics."
Ms Ballas expressed profound gratitude for her aunt's constant presence during both difficult and joyful moments in her life.
"Thank you for always being there for me through the ups, through the downs and through all the parts of my life," she wrote.
The judge also revealed a touching detail about Mavis's viewing habits, noting that her aunt would tune into Strictly Come Dancing specifically to see what Shirley was wearing before turning off the television.
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Shirley Ballas shared some pictures of her late aunt
|"Thank you for tuning into @bbcstrictly and then switching off after you'd seen my dress. That always made me smile," Ms Ballas shared.
She concluded her tribute by wishing Mavis peace, noting that her aunt would now be reunited with her daughter Helen and husband.
"I truly thought that you would live forever, Mavis," the grieving judge admitted.
Messages of support quickly poured in from Ms Ballas's colleagues and admirers following her announcement.
Shirley Ballas penned an emotional tribute to her late aunt
|BBC
Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman responded to the post with the words: "Sending all my love."
Professional dancer Neil Jones also offered his condolences, leaving an orange heart emoji beneath the tribute.
Fans flooded the comments section with sympathetic messages for the bereaved family.
One supporter wrote: "So sorry for your loss. Your mum has lost her beautiful friend."
Another follower offered their respects: "Aw bless you all, so sorry for your loss..... Sending so much love to you all and may Mavis rest in peace."
A third added: "Sorry for your loss, sending love to you both rest in peace Mavis."