Strictly’s Shirley Ballas ‘Couldn’t Breathe’ Minutes Before Live Show After Choking

Shirley Ballas’ Choking Incident Before the Live Blackpool Show

Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas experienced a frightening ordeal just moments before the live Blackpool show. The 65-year-old star found herself struggling to breathe after choking on a fishbone, causing panic backstage. The incident was so severe that Shirley almost missed the show entirely. Fortunately, her longtime hairstylist, Jane, who has been by her side for nine years, quickly sprang into action and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, successfully dislodging the fishbone from Shirley’s throat.

In a heartfelt video shared with her followers, Shirley recounted the terrifying experience. She explained how the fishbone became lodged in her throat, leaving her unable to breathe for nearly 20 minutes. “It was terrifying,” she admitted, expressing gratitude toward Jane for her quick thinking and life-saving intervention. Shirley joked that the judging panel would have been “a judge down” if it weren’t for her hairstylist’s help.

Despite the scary moment, Shirley reassured fans that she was doing well afterward, though she was a bit hoarse from the incident. Her openness about the experience has raised awareness about the importance of knowing emergency first aid techniques like the Heimlich manoeuvre.

The Heimlich Manoeuvre: A Life-Saving Technique Shirley Plans to Learn

Following the choking scare, Shirley Ballas revealed her intention to learn the Heimlich manoeuvre herself. This abdominal thrust technique is designed to clear the airway when someone is choking on an object, such as food or a small item. By applying pressure just above the navel, the manoeuvre forces air from the lungs to expel the blockage.

Shirley expressed a strong desire to be prepared in case she encounters someone else in a similar emergency. “I’m going to study now in case I ever come across anybody who needs my help,” she said. Her commitment to learning this vital skill highlights the importance of being equipped to respond to choking emergencies, which can happen unexpectedly to anyone.

Shirley Ballas’ Recent Health Challenges and Resilience

This recent health scare is not the first challenge Shirley Ballas has faced. Earlier, she underwent a cancer scare after discovering lumpy tissue in her left breast. After undergoing three biopsies and a mammogram, she was thankfully given the all-clear. However, the experience left her feeling emotional and worried about her health, admitting she felt like she had “worked myself to death.”

In addition to this, Shirley has been managing a degenerative spine disorder. She has chosen to avoid surgery for as long as possible, instead focusing on anti-inflammatory treatments, juicing, and ice bathing to manage her condition. She shared that she has cut back on her work hours to help maintain her health and avoid operations.

Despite these hurdles, Shirley continues to demonstrate remarkable strength and dedication to her role on Strictly Come Dancing. Her openness about her health struggles and recovery serves as an inspiration to many fans.

Conclusion

Shirley Ballas’ near-choking incident before the live Strictly show is a stark reminder of how quickly emergencies can arise and the importance of knowing life-saving techniques like the Heimlich manoeuvre. Thanks to her hairstylist’s swift action, Shirley was able to recover and continue with the show, but the experience has motivated her to learn first aid skills herself. Her story also highlights her resilience in facing various health challenges while maintaining her career.

If you want to stay updated on more inspiring stories and the latest Strictly Come Dancing news, be sure to follow our updates regularly. Don’t wait—consider learning the Heimlich manoeuvre today to be prepared for emergencies that could save lives!