Shayne Ward performed an American Smooth to Get Here by Sam Smith this evening and dedicated his routine with Nancy Xu to his beloved mum as she battles ill health
Strictly: Shayne Ward speaks about his mum
Shayne Ward poignantly shared his feelings about his mum’s health struggles on Strictly Come Dancing.
The singer and actor delivered an American Smooth to Sam Smith’s “Get Here” this evening, coinciding with his 40th birthday celebrations. His mother made a heartfelt appearance during rehearsals, taking time out to support her son.
Following their dance, Shayne and his dance partner Nancy Xu joined Claudia Winkleman to discuss the performance, where Claudia highlighted the special visit from Shayne’s mum earlier in the week.
Visibly moved, Shayne dedicated his dance to his mother and expressed gratitude for her constant support, despite facing health challenges herself. On the show, he emotionally stated: “My mum is my absolute world but unfortunately she’s not been able to come to the live shows because she’s not been in the best of health for many years but I know she’s at home watching. So mum, I dedicate this song to you because I know you always try and get there. I love you.”
Shayne has previously been candid about his mum’s health issues, revealing in 2015 that she was recuperating after experiencing a second stroke within a six-week period. He shared at that time: “Mum is back at home now trying to get her strength back. More than anything she just wanted to get home from hospital. I went to see her just before I flew to Spain this week and she’s alright at the minute. She is relaxing as much as possible and just trying to get the strength back in her legs.”, reports the Mirror.
During his time on Coronation Street, where he portrayed Aidan Connor, Shayne shared how his mother had been extremely supportive, even urging him to rehearse his lines.
“Even though my mum’s gone through what she’s gone through and even though we’re rallying around as a family and want to know she’s OK – she just keeps telling us she wants us to focus on our work and be happy.”
“She’s even making sure that I’ve gone through my lines. She hasn’t been on set yet but I know she’d love that as she’s such a big fan of the show so I’m bringing her in with me when she’s better,” he revealed to the Sunday Mirror back then.
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One
