Strictly's Shirley Ballas risks being axed as judge over 'close bond' with Italian dancer she is due to score
From the Newshound archive · first published 4 October 2026.
Shirley Ballas faces being removed as a judge at the International Championships — dubbed the 'ballroom dance Olympics' — over her alleged relationship with Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis, 36. She has reportedly already scored him highly at previous competitions before the pair grew close, and Giuseppe has reportedly been staying with her when in the UK. The Royal Albert Hall contest is due to take place next week, and rules bar judges from scoring anyone classed as a 'de facto spouse'.
Organisers are reportedly 'aware of the concerns' but have so far taken no action.
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