Shirley Ballas has been struck down with a mystery illness just days before the Stricly Come Dancing live shows begin. 

The star, 63, was back in action on last week’s launch show alongside fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

But Shirley is now getting as much rest as possible after feeling unwell since she returned from a trip to Rome.

Taking to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Shirley shared a clip of herself lying in bed as she told fans she was under the weather.

She said: ‘What a difference a day makes. So, back from Rome where it was busy – lots of people and then in the studio for the Royal Albert Hall International Championships. But yes, I think I have caught something. 

Under the weather: Shirley Ballas has been struck down with a mystery illness just days before the Stricly Come Dancing live shows begin

Resting up: Shirley is now getting as much rest as possible after feeling unwell since she returned from a trip to Rome

‘So not very well today. Not in work, but I want to rest and make sure that I am ready for Strictly on Saturday.

‘I’m sending loves and cuddles and am also feeling really excited about Saturday. Oh my gosh, wait until you see this show.

‘It is phenomenal and I think all of them will be staying until the final because they are all that good.’

It comes after Shirley and her fellow judges reflected on 21 years of the BBC show and the star told which celebrity she is rooting for.

Speaking ahead of the first live show, the judges gush over their most anticipated moments as well as reflect on the shows two decade history. 

‘I’m really looking forward to fan-girling over Angela Rippon!’ Shirley said, as she guhsed over the veteran TV star, who at 79 is the oldest contestant in the show’s history.

Angela has history in the dance world as alongside news reading, she was the presenter for Strictly’s predecessor Come Dancing as well as an announcer for live competitions.

Shirley remembers how ‘she announced me during the UK championships many times during my competitive career so her voice brings back so many fond memories.’

Shirley said: ‘Not very well today. Not in work, but I want to rest and make sure that I am ready for Strictly on Saturday’

Panel: Shirley was back in action on last week’s launch show alongside fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke

Motsi meanwhile gushes that hearing the celebs’ stories is a favourite part of the show for her. ‘I believe in the power of personality, there are brand new celebrities so I just want to see their personalities on the floor,’ she insists. 

While the judges are excited to see the celebs in action, one key aspect of the show Motsi is dreading is the dance-off vote.  

‘I think the biggest challenge for me is always the dance off because I bond with all the contestants and sending somebody home is never easy,’ she admits.

Even Craig, renowned for his candor and strict scores admits he worries about the vote, explaining the challenge ‘is making the right decisions when we’re letting someone go. I think that’s the hardest thing for me in the job.’  

Anton has revealed his excitement for his return, pointing out that he, Craig and the show’s host Tess Daly are the only three stars who have appeared on Strictly since series one.