Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas is currently on Strictly’s live tour but took the time to share an emotional post as she announced the loss of a close friend.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas is currently in Liverpool for the live arena tour (Image: Instagram @shirleyballas)

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has paid tribute to a close friend, announcing his passing “with a heavy heart” on Instagram. The 64-year-old dance expert dedicated a poignant post to her former dance partner, Andrew Sinkinson, fondly recalling their time together.

Shirley revealed that she had known Andrew since the age of 13, writing: “Dearest Andrew Sinkinson. With a heavy heart I write this today. A very sad day as we say a final goodbye to such a beautiful man.”

Reflecting on their long history, she continued: “I have so many stories and so many memories over the years from competing with him, traveling and touring the world, to just generally be a part of his life. I’d receive messages from him just checking in to see how I was doing.”

Shirley remembered Andrew as “kind, thoughtful, caring, loving,” and above all, a master of ballroom dancing. His passing has profoundly impacted the professional dancing judge from Wallasey.

She praised Andrew for perfecting the art of ballroom, noting that “you couldn’t watch a foxtrot without thinking of Andrew.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.

In her heartfelt tribute, Shirley concluded: “Andrew was in my opinion one of the greatest dancers I ever saw in my entire life. I will cherish all the memories that I’ve had with him from the very beginning until the day he left us.”

She concluded her heartfelt post with a poignant final message: “Andrew was a remarkable man, a beautiful friend, a wonderful husband to Irina and a great father to Sophie and Mark. He will be missed by all. But one day Andrew, we will all meet again in wonderful heaven. I know he’s dancing his Foxtrot right now and I’ll see you soon for a Cha Cha Cha. Rest in peace. Xx”.

Shirley, who joined BBC Strictly Come Dancing as head judge in 2017, quickly became a fan favourite. Her followers flooded the comments section of her Instagram post with messages of support.

One wrote: “This is so emotional. I’m sorry for your loss.” Another said: “Sending you lots of love Shirley.”

Shirley is back in Liverpool for the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, which hits the M&S Bank Arena tomorrow. The tour will stay in Liverpool for two nights, tomorrow (January 28) and Wednesday (January 29), before heading to the First Direct Arena Leeds on Thursday and Friday.

The Strictly live tour is currently underway (Image: Getty)

The lineup includes actor Jamie Borthwick, broadcaster, presenter, opera singer Wynne Evans, and model and TV personality Tasha Ghouri. They will be joined by Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, actress Sarah Hadland, and X Factor singer Shayne Ward.

In a first, judge Motsi Mabuse will join Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood for all UK tour dates. Janette Manrara will host the tour, promising an evening full of high-energy performances.