Strictly judge Shirley Ballas could lose International Championships role over close bond with competitor

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026.

Shirley Ballas, 66, faces possible removal as a judge at the International Championships after her close friendship with Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, 36, raised concerns about a potential breach of competition rules. Under those rules, a judge cannot adjudicate in any event where a competitor is either a close family member or shares the same household. Reports indicate Nonnis has been staying at Ballas's home during his UK visits, which could put her in violation of the rules at next week's Royal Albert Hall event.

The International Championships ranks among ballroom dancing's most prestigious annual contests — reportedly described as 'the Olympics of ballroom dance.'

Nonnis is entered in the Professional Latin category, the very event Ballas is scheduled to judge — and organisers are said to be aware of the concerns but have yet to take action.

Nonnis's ex-fiancée Daria Chesnokova, who ended their relationship last year following a 2021 engagement, described the friendship as the 'ultimate betrayal.'