Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas Warned Off Dancer Giuseppe Nonnis by Ex-Fiancée

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has been cautioned against a potential romance with dancer Giuseppe Nonnis by his ex-fiancée, Daria Chesnokova. Chesnokova, who was mentored by Ballas for nearly two decades, stated that a relationship between Ballas and Nonnis would constitute an 'ultimate betrayal.'

Reports emerged earlier this month suggesting that Ballas, 66, and Nonnis, 36, had been 'growing close.' The Italian dancer, who lives in Hong Kong, has known Ballas for years and they have danced together in Hong Kong and Blackpool this year. Nonnis has previously expressed admiration for Ballas, whom he has looked up to since childhood.

Chesnokova, a Ukrainian dancer, voiced her distress at the prospect of a romantic relationship between Ballas and Nonnis. "I don't want her to take my man," Chesnokova said, emphasizing the long-standing relationship she had with Ballas as a mentor and "dance mum." "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 and Nonnis were engaged for four years before splitting in September. They began dancing together in June 2021 and competed in Blackpool the following August before touring internationally. Nonnis had previously spoken highly of Chesnokova on social media, describing her as "my woman" and crediting her with teaching him resilience. However, they announced their separation after five years, with Chesnokova expressing gratitude for their shared experiences.

Giuseppe Nonnis's mother, Franca Nonnis, also expressed surprise at the rumors, particularly given her son's recent heartbreak after his split from Chesnokova. "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 Nonnis stated. She described her son as sociable and believes any closeness with Ballas is likely platonic friendship, noting that he has lived abroad for over 12 years and she does not see him frequently.

Ballas, who has son Mark, has been single since 2024 after her six-year engagement to Danny Taylor ended. She was previously married to professional dancers Sammy Stopford and Corky Ballas. Ballas and Nonnis were seen dancing together at events in Blackpool and Hong Kong earlier this year. Following a performance, Nonnis expressed his honor in partnering with Ballas, calling it a "huge honour" from a childhood admirer. Ballas responded positively, noting he was "so lovely to dance with, and patient during practice."

More recently, Nonnis was seen attending Ballas's birthday celebration and was photographed driving her car. Both have exchanged warm messages on social media. Nonnis, who began dancing at age seven in Cagliari, Italy, has competed internationally and has been based in Hong Kong since 2014, teaching across Asia. Ballas had previously spoken about her past relationships ending in disaster and her focus on her career, stating she was "married" to her work and had little hope of finding a relationship.