Shirley Ballas could reportedly risk losing her judging role at an international ballroom contest due to speculation over her friendship with dancer Giuseppe Nonnis.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 66, has “grown close” to the Italian dancer, 36, according to reports that emerged earlier this month. Ballas’ bond with the professional dancer has sparked backlash from other dancers, the Daily Mail reported. Sources claimed she will breach contest rules when she judges Nonnis at this week’s International Championships, one of the world’s most prestigious annual ballroom and Latin dance competitions.
Competition rules and concerns
Nonnis is set to perform in the Professional Latin category at the Royal Albert Hall event. Ballas previously scored him highly at the UK Open Dance Festival just months before they grew closer, insiders claimed.
According to the rules, a contestant may not enter the competition if a member of their immediate family or the same household is on the judging panel.
Nonnis had been staying with Ballas at her home in south-east London when he was in the UK and therefore could fall into this category, The Sun reported.
Community backlash and defense
“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. This is the Olympics of ballroom dance, and the community feels that the rules are not being respected,” a source said.
“The integrity of one of the dance world's most important competitions needs to be protected.”
However, a source close to the Strictly judge told the publication Nonnis does not live with her and they do not share a household, meaning their friendship would not breach the rules.
Background on their bond
The Standard has contacted Ballas’ representative for comment.
Nonnis, who grew up in Cagliari and lives in Hong Kong, previously said he has been inspired by dancer Ballas since he was a child.
Their close bond reportedly developed after they danced together in Hong Kong and Blackpool earlier this year. Nonnis was engaged to dancer Daria Chesnokova from 2021 until last year. Chesnokova told The Sun she introduced Ballas to Nonnis and would feel “betrayed” if they were dating.
Ballas has been ostensibly single since splitting from her fiance Danny Taylor in 2024.
