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Celebrity

17th Oct 2021

Shirley Ballas books breast exam after Strictly viewers spot lump

Sarah McKenna Barry

Ballas thanked viewers for alerting her to the lump.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has told fans that she is booked in for a doctor’s appointment, after concerned eagle-eyed viewers spotted a small lump during the live show.

Taking to Instagram, the choreographer assured fans that she was going to have it examined this week.

She posted a video to her grid thanking her fans for their concern and urged other women to be vigilant for lumps.

Shirley said: “Last week and the week before I got some alarming messages where people said that when I lift my arm up, they could see lumps or bumps or nodes, or whatever.

“So, I just did some self-check myself, and I couldn’t feel anything except a tiny little node at the back, but I’m going to go to the doctor’s on Tuesday.”

She added: “And, to all the women out there, please keep checking yourself, and to those people who were concerned enough to send me messages that they saw lumps and bumps, I’m very, very grateful.

“But females, self-check at any age! To just check that we have no lumps or bumps underneath our arms, or anywhere else for that matter. But anyway, with gratitude, thank you!”

In the comments, many fans sent their well-wishes to Strictly’s head judge, and applauded her for sharing the importance of getting lumps checked.

Dancer Neil Jones wrote: “thinking of you.”

A fan, meanwhile, commented: “Good on you for coming on and sharing that important health message. That’s brave & kind in equal measures. Lots of love.”

Another fan said: “Women helping women! I love this! Please get checked and fingers crossed it’s nothing serious xx.”

A third shared: “That’s so lovely of people. That’s the good side of social media!”

For more information about the symptoms of breast cancer, head to the Marie Keating Foundation website here. If you are in any way concerned about your own health you should always contact your GP.