Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas shares a close bond with her niece, Mary.

The head judge raised her niece from the age of 10 after her father, Shirley’s brother David, took his own life at the age of 44, and Mary’s mother died shortly afterwards.

Mary, who is a healthcare scientist. has a low-key presence on social media, but Shirley often gives a peek inside their close relationship.

Sharing a behind-the-scenes snap from Elstree Studios, Shirley showed Mary was supporting her as she filmed for Strictly, and hailed her as "the most amazing woman I know".

Captioning the photo, she said: " My niece Mary – my brother's daughter coming to see me on #Strictly. The most amazing woman I know!"

Shirley often travels to America, where she lived for 11 years, to see her only child, Mark Ballas, who is married to singer-songwriter BC Jean.

While these trips are likely to become only more frequent as Shirley welcomed her first grandchild, Banksi Wilde, last month, the dancer has admitted that she finds it painful to leave Mary behind.

In 2017, she shared a selfie of the pair and wrote: "Leaving my niece Mary is always difficult when returning back to the USA."

In February 2020, Shirley shared a series of photos of herself and Mary spending time together, and added a moving caption that read: "A huge happy birthday to my beautiful niece Mary. 27 years old today, where did the time go.

"I’m so immensely proud of this young lady on so many levels. I’m proud to be your auntie and to have been there for you all these years. I adore you so much, I hope you enjoy your special day. @mischiefminky you are my shining star."

Followers were quick to point out similarities between the two, with one nothing: "You both have the same eyes," and another adding: "Crikey! Peas in a pod. Could be your daughter." Many more sent sweet birthday messages, such as: "Happy birthday Mary!" and "Happy birthday Mary. I can see the family resemblance. Both beautiful ladies."

Speaking to OK!, Shirley opened up about the heartache of losing her brother, David.

“My brother died by suicide in 2003, so CALM is a huge charity for me. It’s important running up to Christmas for anyone who’s lonely to reach out. CALM can intervene if you want or they can just listen if you want. They’re there for you and I’ve met all the people in charge and it really is truly fantastic.

“I’m also starting to work with the Suicide&Co charity, who provide counselling sessions for families and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide. Amelia and Emma, its CEOs, are truly inspirational young ladies.”

Shirley wants anyone struggling to reach out and has a message for those in need.

“The message from me to anybody who’s struggling, is that, ‘It would be lovely to see tomorrow, because tomorrow can be a bright day if you have somebody really listening to you,’” says Shirley.

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact Samaritans in the UK and Ireland on freephone 116 123, or [email protected] [email protected].

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