BBC Strictlys Shirley Ballas becomes grandmother for first time as baby boys name is revealed

Shirley Ballas is celebrating a new arrival to the family after the birth of her first grandchild, a baby boy named Banksi Wylde Ballas, on 5 November.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge's only child Mark, who is married to singer-songwriter BC Jean, celebrated becoming a father with a sweet Instagram post a month after Banksi's birth.

"Welcome to Earth my son. Banksi Wylde Ballas 11 / 5 / 23," wrote Mark, who is a professional dancer on US show Dancing With The Stars.

Meanwhile his wife shared the same picture, which sweetly shows the family of 3 holding hands, and wrote: "Banksi Wylde Ballas. Joined us earthside 11•5•23. Happy one month sweet boy. You are so loved".

Proving that she is over the moon, Shirley commented on her daughter-in-law's post gushing over baby Banksi, as she wrote: "He is the best most beautiful baby ever. We are all blessed."

Shirley has previously referred to Banksi as a 'miracle baby', after BC and Mark sadly suffered a miscarriage during their first pregnancy.

Speaking before Banksi's birth, Shirley explained to The Mirror: “We’re calling this baby Rainbow, because my daughter-in-law lost a baby last year. I was on Strictly and couldn’t fly over to them, which was devastating. I found it difficult to get through the show.

“Mark was on Dancing with the Stars and having to turn up for work, crushed. I knew how crushed he was but I couldn’t tell anyone.”

Shirley shares Mark with her ex-husband Corky Ballas, who is also a retired ballroom dancer. Shirley and Corky were married for over two decades, saying 'I do' in 1985 before splitting in 2007.

Their son Mark was born in Houston, Texas, and went to school in South London. At age 11, he went on to attend Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Art in the capital.

Following in his parents footsteps when it came to dancing, Mark also went down a musical route and is in a band named Alexander Jean with his wife.

The couple, who met in 2012, formed their rock band together in 2015 – tying the knot just a year later.

With the new arrival coming just in time for the festive season, Christmasat the Ballas household will look different this year.

Talking exclusively to S Magazine, last year, Shirley explained that the family usually like to keep things low-key for the celebrations. "I’m hoping it’s a really chilled day with Mary [Shirley’s niece] and her boyfriend, and Mark and his wife, and the two dogs," she said in 2022.

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