Shirley Ballas ‘at risk of being axed from judging role’ over close bond with dancer

Shirley Ballas has been accused of potentially being in breach of judging rules at the International Championships (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston/BBC Creative)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas could reportedly lose her judging spot at the International Championships over her friendship with one of the dancers.

Earlier this month, it was claimed that Ballas, 66, had been ‘growing close’ to Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, 36, which has allegedly sparked backlash within the dance community.

Sources told the Daily Mail that the pair’s friendship could cause Shirley to breach rules when she judges next week’s International Championships, one of the world’s most prestigious annual ballroom and Latin dance competitions.

Giuseppe is set to be judged in the Professional Latin category at the Royal Albert Hall event, which will be judged by Shirley.

According to the rules of the event, a competitor may not enter the competition if a member of their immediate family or the same household is on the adjudicating panel.

The Sun reports that dance sources have claimed Italian dancer Giuseppe had been staying with Shirley when he was in the UK, and might therefore fall into this category.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge has reportedly grown close to Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis (Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) The Italian dancer is set to compete at the International Championships, which Shirley is set to judge (Picture: Giuseppe Nonnis/Instagram)

‘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.’

A source also told The Sun that Giuseppe does not live with Shirley and they do not share a household, so the rules have not been breached.

The friendship between the pair has also sparked rumours of romance, with Giuseppe’s ex-fiancée, Daria Chesnokova, saying it would be the ‘ultimate betrayal.’

The couple had been engaged since 2021 until they split last year.

Giuseppe’s ex-fiancé Dasha Chesnokova has broken her silence about romance rumours surrounding Giuseppe and Shirley (Picture: Instagram)

 ‘I don’t want her to take my man,’ Dasha told The Sun, adding: ‘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.’

Dasha went on to say that Shirley was aware of ‘how much we loved each other,’ and described a romance as ‘the ultimate betrayal.’

Following rumours of his romance with Shirley, Giuseppe’s mother admitted that she’d been ‘shocked’ by the claims.

Franca, 56, told the Daily Mail that Giuseppe’s split from Dasha had left him ‘heartbroken’ and that he was serving only as Shirley’s student.

Shirley has not spoken out about the rumours (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

‘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.

‘Giuseppe is a very loveable and sociable person; he is sweet with everyone, and if he was being friendly and if he is being close with Shirley then I’m sure it’s just that, friendship and nothing more.’

Shirley has been single since her split from fiancé Danny Taylor in 2024.

Metro UK has contacted representatives for Shirley Ballas for comment

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