Shirley Ballas Faces Scrutiny Over Ballroom Judging Role Amid Relationship Speculation

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, 66, is reportedly facing the possibility of being removed from her role in an international ballroom competition due to her close relationship with 36-year-old Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis. Reports earlier this month indicated that Ballas had been "growing close" to Nonnis.

Sources within the dance community have claimed that Ballas's connection with Nonnis has led to complaints, suggesting a potential breach of rules for the upcoming International Championships, often referred to as the "ballroom dance Olympics." The rules stipulate that a competitor cannot enter if a member of their immediate family or household, including a "de facto spouse," is on the judging panel. Insiders have suggested that Nonnis could fall into this category, as he has reportedly been staying with Ballas when he is in the UK.

Ball room dance sources told The Sun that the issue is "widely discussed within the professional dance community" and that organizers are aware of the concerns. "This is the Olympics of ballroom dance and the community feels that the rules are not being respected. The integrity of one of the dance world's most important competitions needs to be protected," one source stated.

However, a source close to Ballas has countered these claims, stating that Nonnis does not live with her and they do not share a household, thus not violating any rules. Representatives for Ballas and the International Championships have been contacted for comment.

Ballas is scheduled to judge Nonnis in the Professional Latin category at the global event, which is set to be held at the Royal Albert Hall. Prior to these developments, Ballas had reportedly scored Nonnis highly at the UK Open Dance Festival.

Nonnis, who grew up in Cagliari and resides in Hong Kong, has previously expressed admiration for Ballas, stating he looked up to her since childhood. Their connection reportedly deepened after dancing together in Hong Kong and Blackpool earlier this year.

Adding to the speculation, Nonnis's ex-fiancée, Ukrainian dancer Daria Chesnokova, warned Ballas against pursuing a romantic relationship with him. Chesnokova, who was engaged to Nonnis for four years before their split last September, described Ballas as her mentor for nearly two decades and expressed deep hurt at the thought of her becoming romantically involved with him. "She's a mature woman and I'm a young girl compared to her. She's known me from a long time ago and has been like a dance mum to me. It would be like your mum taking your boyfriend," Chesnokova stated.

Nonnis and Chesnokova began their dance partnership in June 2021, competing in Blackpool and touring internationally. In March of the previous year, Nonnis publicly referred to Chesnokova as "my woman" and expressed his love for her on social media. Despite describing their relationship as "the best four years of my life," they announced their separation after five years. Chesnokova shared on social media that their partnership had ended, expressing gratitude for their shared experiences and looking forward to the future.

The reported closeness between Ballas and Nonnis has also surprised Nonnis's mother, Franca Nonnis, who is ten years younger than Ballas. Franca, 56, stated that Ballas is Nonnis's teacher and expressed surprise at the rumors, noting her son had recently broken up with his long-term girlfriend and was heartbroken. "That's why I would be surprised if he was already in another relationship but if he is happy then I am happy. I just don't think he's ready yet for another relationship," she said, believing their closeness was likely just friendship. She mentioned that her son lives abroad and she doesn't see him often, but he had not mentioned a new relationship.