Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas's son retires from Dancing with the Stars

Dancing With The Stars has lost another of its stars, with pro dancer Mark Ballas stepping away from the dance floor.

Mark, who is the son of Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas, has been part of the show for 20 seasons, joining for season 5 in 2007.

He announced the news on the DWTS tour as it made a final stop in Las Vegas.

"I’ve done 20 seasons now," he told the audience.

"I started this journey when I was 21, 22, and honestly being able to dance and perform for you fans, you guys are the best fans. I just want to finish this by saying that this will be the last time you see me dance in this capacity."

He then added: "I’m coming to a close tonight. This is going to be my last dance."

But he vowed he wasn't retiring all together, just stepping away from the show as a professional. "I'm not saying this is the end. This is just the last time I’ll be dancing with a partner," he said.

Mark has lifted the Glitterball trophy an impressive three times over the years, winning the US version of Strictly alongside pro partners TikTok star Charli D'Amelio, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and gymnast Shawn Johnson.

Mark isn't the only one waving bye bye to the ballroom, though. Head judge Len Goodman recently announced that he'd quit the Disney+ show, while pro dancer Cheryl Burke also announced she was leaving after being involved in 26 seasons.

"I've been on the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show but I've decided I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain," Goodman said.

"It's been such a wonderful experience for me and I look forward so much to next week's finale. I'm sure it's going to be absolutely brilliant."

As for Burke, she said of her departure: "This has been one of the absolute hardest decisions of my life and I am also confident that it is the right one."

Dancing with the Stars airs on Disney+ in the US.

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