Shirley Ballas Choking Scare: How the Heimlich Manoeuvre Saved Her Before Strictly Come Dancing (2026)

A chilling encounter! Shirley Ballas, the esteemed judge on Strictly Come Dancing, recently shared a terrifying experience that left her struggling to breathe. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Shirley revealed how a simple fish bone almost became her undoing before the Blackpool live show.

But here's where it gets controversial... Shirley credits her hair and makeup artist, Jane Green, with saving her life by performing the Heimlich maneuver. This emergency technique, involving abdominal thrusts, successfully dislodged the bone and prevented a potential disaster.

And this is the part most people miss: choking is no joke. It's a life-threatening emergency, as BBC News health reporter Michelle Roberts emphasizes. A fish bone in the airways can be deadly, and Shirley's experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of knowing basic first aid.

The NHS provides clear guidelines for severe choking, recommending back blows and abdominal thrusts to clear the blockage. These techniques can be life-saving, as Shirley's story illustrates.

Shirley's vow to learn the Heimlich maneuver herself is a powerful testament to the impact of this incident. She wants to be prepared to help others, a noble gesture that underscores the importance of community and mutual support.

So, what do you think? Is choking a topic we should all be more aware of? Should learning basic first aid techniques like the Heimlich maneuver be a priority? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this important issue!

Shirley Ballas Choking Scare: How the Heimlich Manoeuvre Saved Her Before Strictly Come Dancing (2026)
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