Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas breaks down in tears over 'hardest thing I ever faced'
Netflix viewers have been gripped by the streaming platform's most recent reality show, Celebrity Bear Hunt. The show features a group of 12 well known names dropped in the Costa Rican jungle.
However, they have to keep their wits about them as they become prey for legendary survival expert Bear Grylls. Along the way, they’ll embark on tough challenges which will put them to the ultimate test.
One of which involved two teams crossing a bridge, 200ft in the air. However, it wasn’t long before Strictly star Shirley Ballas made her fear of heights known.
Before crossing the bridge, she confessed: “I was not this nervous when I went to win my world championships. But, I will do one step at a time and I will try to do my part.”
As the 64-year-old tried to cross the bridge, she could be heard saying she was unable to look down after her teammate was trying to comfort her as she tackled her fear.
During one nail-biting moment, Danny Cipriani asked if she was able to go in front of her for them to try and complete their task easier. However, Holly Willoughby could be heard speaking to Bear Grylls nearby, questioning his decision.
She said: “I’m not sure ladies first is the right thing here. I’d be like, ‘Danny, you do that bit first!’”
Despite her evident terror, Shirley continued to cross the bridge at her own pace as the bridge started to swing from the wind. Netflix viewers were left wondering if she’d be able to finished the mission as one moment saw Shirley pause in terror.
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Taking deep breaths in and out, she closed her eyes to try and remain calm while Danny continued to share directions. In the end, Shirley had to turn around in the middle of the bridge, in order to go back and help Danny.
A voiceover of Shirley could be heard saying: “I am very apprehensive, but I didn’t want them to think that I was, you know, some 64-year-old that wasn’t willing to have a challenge. I really want to prove myself to Bear. It’s do or die.”
It seemed as though Bear was impressed as he told Holly his mother-in-law wasn’t much older than Shirley and she wouldn’t be up on the rickety bridge.
Putting her phobias aside, the Strictly star powered through and continued to walk over the planks, saying ‘cha cha cha’ as she went. Once she was on the other side, it was apparent she was shocked at what she’d managed to do, taking in deep breaths.
While Holly praised her, Shirley continued to cheer on her other teammates who were still completing the task. Reflecting on the challenge, Shirley broke down in tears.
She said: “Walking that bridge was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but, you know, you’re never too old to try something. Give it a go, conquer your fears and that’s exactly what I did today.
Praising her bravery, Danny told the camera: “The way she took on a challenge which she as fearful of, the way she attacked it was completely inspirational.”
Celebrity Bear Hunt is available to watch on Netflix.
