Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas Reportedly Growing Close to Italian Dancer Giuseppe Nonnis

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, 66, is reportedly growing close to Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, 36. The pair were recently seen on a dog walk, appearing affectionate as they queued for a cafe.

The alleged romance has surprised many, not least Nonnis' mother, Franca Nonnis, 56, who told the Daily Mail that she was shocked by the claims.

"Shirley is teaching Giuseppe, she's an excellent teacher, one of the best and my son is her student," Ms. Nonnis stated. She added that her son had recently ended a five-year relationship and was “heartbroken,” making her doubt his readiness for a new romance.

"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. She described her son as "loveable and sociable" and suggested any closeness with Ballas was likely just friendship.

Giuseppe Nonnis' previous relationship was with Ukrainian dancer Daria Chesnokova, whom he referred to as his "life partner." Their five-year relationship concluded in September. His mother noted that he had not mentioned a new relationship, emphasizing his distress over the breakup with Chesnokova.

Despite his mother's surprise, it is understood that Nonnis has grown increasingly close to the Strictly judge since his breakup. The dancer, who splits his time between Hong Kong and Europe, has admired Ballas since childhood. Their relationship reportedly blossomed after dancing together in Hong Kong and Blackpool earlier this year.

Ballas, whose son Mark is four years older than Nonnis, has been single since her split from fiancé Danny Taylor, 53, in 2024 after six years together. She was previously married to fellow professional dancers Sammy Stopford and Corky Ballas.

Nonnis and Chesnokova began dancing together in June 2021, competing and touring internationally. Nonnis had publicly expressed deep affection for Chesnokova on social media until their split.

The pair danced together at the We've Danced Through The Century lectures at the Blackpool Dance Festival in May and were paired for a lecture in Hong Kong in July. Following their performance, Nonnis shared his honor in partnering with Ballas, whom he had long admired. Ballas responded positively, acknowledging his grace and patience.

Recently, Nonnis was seen attending Ballas's birthday party and driving her Porsche. The two have also exchanged supportive messages on social media.

Giuseppe Nonnis, originally from Cagliari, began dancing at age seven and became an Italian champion. He has resided and taught in Hong Kong since 2014.

Ballas had previously expressed resignation about finding love again, citing past relationship difficulties. She mentioned that her relationship with her ex-fiancé Danny Taylor was affected by his tendency to "disappear," triggering anxieties related to her brother's suicide.

Ballas's first marriage was to Sammy Stopford in the 1980s, followed by her marriage to Corky Ballas in 1985, with whom she has a son, Mark. They divorced in 2007.

She joined Strictly as head judge in 2017.