Shirley Ballas is a ballroom dance champion who became known as 'The Queen of Latin' and is now the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. She joins Rachel and Alice to talk about the struggles of leaving home at 15 to become a professional dancer, the impact of the sudden death of her brother, and how the bullying and abuse she feels she has suffered both in and out the industry spurred her on to succeed. Get The Times free for a month: thetimes.co.uk/pastimperfect Samaritans: www.samaritans.org Alder Hay Hospital: www.alderhey.nhs.uk Action for Children: www.actionforchildren.org.uk This podcast has been produced in association with Speakers for Schools: www.speakersforschools.org Producer: Ben Mitchell   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.