Shirley Ballas, the 64-year-old head judge of Strictly Come Dancing and the oldest contestant on Celebrity Bear Hunt, has opened up about the intense fitness routine she followed to prepare for the reality competition.
Ahead of filming last April, Shirley revealed that she committed to a rigorous daily regimen to meet the show’s physical demands. Each morning, she completed 10,000 steps before 7 a.m., along with yoga sessions, regular Peloton bike rides, treadmill runs, and gym workouts. This intense preparation was necessary to ensure she was fit enough for the tough survival tests on the show, which would take place in challenging conditions.
In an interview with the Daily Mail before the show’s premiere on February 5, Shirley explained how she got ready: “I broke in my boots, just like when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. I didn’t just pack them — I wore them repeatedly.” She added, “I go to the gym, get my 10,000 steps in before seven o’clock in the morning every day. At home, I get up early, do yoga, ride the Peloton, and use the treadmill.”
Although the routine was demanding, she acknowledged that it was necessary for the challenges ahead. “It’s not easy at 64,” she said. “I’m not a competitive dancer anymore, but I still teach dance every day for 12 hours. I’ve done the best I can to prepare.”
Shirley’s competitive spirit remains strong, despite her age. “My son told me this morning, ‘Don’t think about being competitive,'” she said. “I replied, ‘How do you tell a 64-year-old woman, who’s been competitive all her life, not to be competitive?’” She added that, despite competing against younger, stronger contestants, her drive remained undeterred.
For Shirley, ambitious goals keep her motivated. “I’ve climbed Kilimanjaro, jumped out of planes for men’s mental health, and taken on many challenges. While I might feel nervous inside, I never show it. Fear isn’t something I display.”
Celebrity Bear Hunt features celebrities dropped into the Costa Rican jungle, where they must survive while being hunted by adventurer and former SAS trooper, Bear Grylls. Other contestants include Mel B, Lottie Moss, and Una Healy, while Holly Willoughby hosts the show.
On social media, Shirley shared her experience with her fans: “One of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever been through. Abandoned in the Costa Rican jungle with 11 other celebrities, all hoping to outrun Bear Grylls. Never have I been more nervous. There were ups, downs, tears, and hugs. It’s a show like nothing else — no phones, no glam, no family, no friends. I learned so much about myself while in the jungle. We learned survival skills to put to the test in the Bear Pit, where we were prey to Bear Grylls. I’ve never run so fast in my life.”
