Shirley Ballas's relationship with younger dancer Giuseppe Nonnis sparks surprise, even from his mother

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, 66, is reportedly growing close to dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, 36, a development that has surprised many, including Nonnis's mother.

Ballas and Nonnis were recently photographed on a dog walk, appearing affectionate as they queued for a cafe. The age gap between them, 30 years, has drawn particular attention.

Giuseppe Nonnis's mother, Franca Nonnis, 56, told the Daily Mail that she was shocked by claims of a relationship between her son and the television personality. "Shirley is teaching Giuseppe, she's an excellent teacher, one of the best and my son is her student," Ms. Nonnis stated, explaining that her son had recently ended a five-year relationship and was reportedly 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 added. Ms. Nonnis described her son as a "loveable and sociable person" who is "sweet with everyone" and believes any closeness with Ballas is likely just friendship.

Giuseppe Nonnis, who lives in Hong Kong and travels frequently between there and Europe, had previously been in a relationship with Ukrainian dancer Daria Chesnokova. The pair, who described themselves as both dance and life partners, ended their five-year relationship last September. Nonnis had referred to Chesnokova as his "life partner" and posted affectionate tributes to her on social media, calling her "my woman" and expressing gratitude for her influence.

According to his mother, Nonnis was very upset by the breakup with Chesnokova. "He was heartbroken, they had been together for a long time... and these longtime affairs of the heart take a long time to get over when they end," she said.

It is understood that since his split from Chesnokova, Nonnis has grown closer to Ballas. The pair have danced together at events in Hong Kong and Blackpool earlier this year. Following a dance in Hong Kong, Nonnis expressed his honor at partnering with Ballas, whom he had admired since childhood. Ballas responded by calling him "lovely to dance with, and patient during practice lol."

Nonnis, who began dancing at age seven and was an Italian champion, has lived in Hong Kong since 2014, teaching dance across Asia. Ballas, who joined Strictly as head judge in 2017, has previously expressed that she had abandoned hope of finding love again after previous relationships ended. She split from her fiancé, Danny Taylor, in 2024 after a six-year relationship. Her previous marriages were to fellow professional dancers Sammy Stopford and Corky Ballas, with whom she has a son, Mark, who is four years older than Giuseppe Nonnis.