One beloved Strictly Come Dancing star “almost died” minutes before the BBC show’s live Blackpool show. Head judge Shirley Ballas , 65, saw he life flash before her eyes after choking on a fish bone for 20 minutes backstage at the infamous Tower Ballroom. Thankfully, the brunette beauty was saved by her supportive makeup artist, Jane Burstow, who jumped into action when things took a turn for the worse.

The makeup extraordinaire used the Heimlich manoeuvre to remove the trapped bone when she started turning blue. The incident happened whilst Shirley was getting ready backstage, just 30 minutes before performing live for more than seven million people tuning in at home.

BBC Strictly viewers threaten to switch off as 'awful' show change is unveiled

BBC viewers all issue same complaint

See Full Page