The ex-fiancée of Shirley Ballas's new man has warned her off their budding romance, describing it as 'the ultimate betrayal.' Earlier this month, the Strictly Come Dancing judge, 66, was pictured with 36-year-old Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, sparking rumours of an age gap romance. Candid snaps showed the pair enjoying a cosy date in the park, with Giuseppe leaning in close as they shared coffee.
Source describes cosy date
'She was relaxed in his company as he gently stroked her back and neck, and then later as they cuddled up on the bench. It was obvious they enjoy each other's company,' a source said at the time. Although Shirley has not confirmed that they are dating, they've been spotted out and about – including attending Mamma Mia! The Party together.
Giuseppe's ex-fiancée, Dasha Chesnokova, has now weighed in to issue a public plea to the Strictly star. Ukrainian dancer Dasha, 38, told The Sun: 'I don't want her to take my man.'
Ex-fiancée's plea
She added: '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.' Professional dancers Giuseppe and Dasha first began dancing together in 2021, competing in Blackpool that year before embarking upon a world tour. They had been engaged for four years before their split last September.
Family reactions
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 long-time girlfriend Dasha had left him 'heartbroken' and that he was serving only as Shirley's student.
'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. 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.'
Explaining how her son kept busy with his dancing work, she admitted that she doesn't see him very often, 'unless he is in Europe visiting.' Of his split from Dasha, she added: 'He was heartbroken; they had been together for a long time. I met her when they came to Sardinia, but they split up as sometimes happens, and these long-time affairs of the heart take a long time to get over when they end.'
Shirley's past relationships
Shirley has been single since her split from fiancé Danny Taylor in 2024. Speaking about the breakup, she told the Mirror, according to Manchester Evening News, that the reason for the split was because they 'weren't growing together anymore'. She continued: 'I was getting more and more worried about things that were going on in his life, and I already have a lot of things to worry about. I just needed some peace.'
Prior to her relationship with Danny, she was married to ballroom professional Sammy Stopford from 1980 to 1984 and Corky Ballas from 1985 to 2007. She shares one child with ex-husband Corky – 40-year-old Mark Ballas, who went on to carve out a career of his own as a professional dancer. He has appeared as a professional on the USA version of Strictly – Dancing With the Stars – since his series debut in 2007.
This year, Shirley danced with Giuseppe during the We've Danced Through The Century lectures at the Blackpool Dance Festival in May – before being paired up at the Dorin & Marina Hong Kong The Camp Cha Cha Lecture in July. Afterwards, Giuseppe wrote: 'Dear Shirley. The gratitude is all mine, from a small child, looking up to you as one of my favourite dancers of all the time to partnering you is for me a huge honour. So, thank you for that.'
The Strictly judge replied: 'You're most welcome. So lovely to dance with, and patient during practice lol. Thank you and with gratitude.' Metro has reached out to Shirley Ballas's representatives for comment on this story.
