Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas heartbroken as dad ‘dies suddenly’ aged 83
Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has announced her father, George Andrew Rich, has died aged 83.
Shirley spoke about her dad in a statement post on Instagram, explaining he ‘died suddenly’ next to a series of family photos.
She wrote: ‘With sadness and a heavy heart my father George Andrew Rich fondly known as Andy, has passed away suddenly.
‘My heart goes out to his wife Liz, the love of his life who was with him for over 40 years and to all who knew him.
‘It’s hard to find the right words at this moment, my father lost two sons in his lifetime and I hope you can all find each other in the after life.
‘So many things left unsaid, RIP Dad you will be missed but not forgotten.’
Shirley did not specify when her father died, but did mention during an interview last week that her dog, Charlie, was providing a massive source of comfort following the news.
After contracting coronavirus, Shirley explained that Charlie had provided much needed comfort to her when she found things tough.
‘I’m just getting over five weeks of the coronavirus and I’ve been on my own and Charlie has sat at my feet, snuggled and cuddled and just looked at me,’ she told BBC Merseyside’s Tony Snell five days ago.
‘I had the passing of my father in the last few days and it’s almost like he knows.
‘I get emotional just talking about him. He is just really sincerely loyal, caring and kind. I have no words for my Charlie.
‘Other people will come and go but that dog will be here until he decides he wants to go to doggy heaven. For me he is my everything.’
Got A Story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice slams Shirley Ballas death threats over Ranvir Singh axing
