BBC Books goes Behind the Sequins with Ballas

BBC Books has picked up Behind the Sequins, a book by dance star and “Strictly” head judge Shirley Ballas detailing her “dramatic and determined” life.

Senior commissioning editor Yvonne Jacob acquired world rights from Jo Bell at Bell Lomax Moreton, in association with Ashley Vallance at InterTalent Rights Group. The book will be published on 1st October.

The synopsis says the book covers Ballas' life, “from growing up on a rough estate on the Wirral and leaving home at 14 years old, to conquering the high-octane world of ballroom and coping with betrayal, bullying, two broken marriages and a personal tragedy that left Shirley and her family devastated.

“Shirley has enjoyed a spectacular dance career spanning more than 40 years—she has Cha-Cha’d her way across the world’s dance floors to become a multi-award-winning latin and ballroom champion and one of the most renowned dancers in the world. In 1996, Shirley retired from competitive dancing to become a highly acclaimed coach and teacher. Speaking from the heart, Shirley leaves her dancing shoes at the door to tell you the story of a fiery, strong-willed grafter who danced through everything life that threw at her and was never afraid to leave it all on the floor.”