Shirley Ballas Faces Scrutiny Over Relationship with Dancer Amid Competition Rule Concerns

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, 66, is reportedly facing the possibility of being removed from her role in an international ballroom contest due to concerns over her relationship with dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, 36.

Speculation about Ballas's bond with the Italian dancer has led to complaints within the dance community, with sources claiming her judging of Nonnis at the upcoming International Championships would be a breach of competition rules. These championships are considered the 'ballroom dance Olympics.'

Sources indicate that a rule states a competitor cannot enter if a member of their immediate family or household is on the adjudicating panel, specifically including a 'de facto spouse.' According to The Sun, dance insiders suggest Nonnis could fall into this category as he has reportedly been staying with Ballas when in the UK.

"This issue is widely discussed within the professional dance community and the organisers are aware of the concerns, but so far nothing has been done," a source told the publication. "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."

However, a source close to Ballas has stated that Nonnis does not live with her and they do not share a household, thus asserting there is no rule violation.

Ballas is scheduled to judge Nonnis in the Professional Latin category at the global dance event, which is set to take place at the Royal Albert Hall. Insiders have also claimed that Ballas previously awarded Nonnis high scores at the UK Open Dance Festival before their relationship was rumored to be deepening.

Nonnis, who grew up in Cagliari and resides in Hong Kong, has previously stated he looked up to Ballas since childhood. Their relationship reportedly blossomed after dancing together in Hong Kong and Blackpool earlier this year.

Adding to the controversy, Nonnis's ex-fiancée, Ukrainian dancer Daria Chesnokova, issued a warning to Ballas. Chesnokova, who was engaged to Nonnis for four years before their split last September, expressed her hurt at the possibility of a romance between Ballas and Nonnis.

"I don't want her to take my man," Chesnokova told The Sun. "Shirley was my mentor for nearly two decades. I have looked up to her for years. And I introduced her to Giuseppe. If they were together I would be so hurt. 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 added, "She saw us and knew how much we loved each other so to be with him romantically is the ultimate betrayal."

Nonnis and Chesnokova began dancing together in June 2021 and competed internationally. Nonnis had previously expressed deep affection for Chesnokova on social media, describing her as "my woman" and "my life partner" during their relationship.

Nonnis's mother, Franca Nonnis, 56, also expressed surprise at the rumors, stating that she believed her son was still heartbroken over his recent breakup with Chesnokova. "Shirley is teaching Giuseppe, she's an excellent teacher, one of the best and my son is her student," she said. "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."

Franca described her son as "a very loveable and sociable person, he is sweet with everyone" and suggested any closeness with Ballas was likely just friendship. She noted that her son has lived abroad for over 12 years and she does not see him frequently.

Representatives for Shirley Ballas and the International Championships have been contacted for comment.