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Tattoos often tell profound stories of love, loss, and personal connection, and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas’s tattoos are no exception. Her recent ink has captured public attention, not just as a fashion statement, but as a deeply emotional tribute to her family and personal journey.
A Tribute of Healing and Remembrance
In a powerful act of love and remembrance, Shirley Ballas has used tattoos as a means of honoring her family members and processing personal grief. Her most recent tattoo stands out as a particularly poignant gesture, marking a significant moment in her life’s journey.
The Story Behind the Ink
In June 2025, Shirley participated in a charity tattoo event that held deep personal meaning. She got a tattoo featuring her late brother David’s initials, drawing attention to mental health awareness. This wasn’t just a simple design, but a powerful statement about suicide prevention and family love.
A Charitable Connection
The tattoo was part of a fundraising effort for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), an anti-suicide charity. Shirley worked with tattoo artist Tal Booker, who was conducting a 24-hour tattoo marathon to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Personal Loss and Awareness
Shirley’s tattoo tells a heartbreaking story of loss. Her brother David tragically took his own life in 2003 at the age of 44, after struggling with depression. Through her openness, Shirley has shared the painful details of her family’s struggle, hoping to break the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.
A Family’s Silent Struggle
In her own words, Shirley revealed the challenges her family faced. David described his depression as being in a “dark, black hole that he couldn’t climb out of”. The family tried to get him help, but the societal taboos of the time made it difficult to address mental health openly.
More Than Just a Tattoo
For Shirley, tattoos have been more than just body art. She has used ink to create a family narrative, connecting her loved ones through permanent tributes. In a previous tattoo, she even included her then-partner Danny Taylor in a family design, demonstrating how deeply personal these markings are to her.
💔 Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. Support is available.
Shirley's journey with tattoos is a testament to the power of personal expression, healing, and remembrance. Each line and symbol tells a story of love, loss, and the enduring strength of family bonds.
Why did Shirley Ballas get a tattoo of her brother’s initials?
+Shirley got the tattoo to honor her late brother David and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention through a CALM charity event.
When did Shirley’s brother David pass away?
+David passed away in 2003 at the age of 44 after struggling with depression.
What charity was involved with Shirley’s tattoo?
+The tattoo was part of a fundraising event for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), an anti-suicide charity.