Dasha Chesnokova, the 38-year-old dance partner and ex-fiance of Giuseppe Nonnis, has issued a public warning to Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, stating that a romance between the 66-year-old television star and her former partner would be “the ultimate betrayal.” Speaking to The Sun on Sunday from her dance studio in Houston, Texas, Chesnokova described how Ballas acted as a mentor and “dance mum” to her for nearly two decades before recently growing close to the 36-year-old Italian dancer.
The Relationship History and Mentor Connection
Dasha Chesnokova met Shirley Ballas in 2008 after arriving in the United States from Ukraine at age 20 with Dancing with the Stars partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy, who introduced her to Ballas for lessons. Chesnokova was engaged to Giuseppe Nonnis for four years before their relationship ended in August following a series of explosive rows. During their time together, Chesnokova introduced Nonnis to Ballas for dance training, establishing a bond between the two dancers and the head judge. Chesnokova told The Sun that Ballas supported her when she left her first husband, Stefano Di Filippo, in 2016, making the potential involvement with Nonnis particularly painful. “She’s known me a long time and has been like a dance mum to me,” Chesnokova said. “It would be like your mum taking your boyfriend.”
Recent Sightings and Public Appearances
Speculation regarding Shirley Ballas and Giuseppe Nonnis intensified after the pair were photographed together during a dog walk, where Nonnis was seen placing his hand tenderly on Ballas’s neck and back while standing in a coffee queue. Nonnis has also been spotted driving Ballas’s £100,000 Porsche, and the pair celebrated Ballas’s birthday together earlier in September at Mamma Mia! The Party at London’s O2. According to Chesnokova, rumors first began circulating in April after Ballas and Nonnis posted photographs from the same ice bath at Ballas’s home. While Chesnokova notes that Nonnis stays at Ballas’s home on and off, she stated that other dancers have repeatedly asked her whether he has permanently moved in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Giuseppe Nonnis?
Giuseppe Nonnis is a 36-year-old Italian dancer who was previously engaged to dancer Dasha Chesnokova for four years and has recently been seen with Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas.
What is Dasha Chesnokova’s connection to Shirley Ballas?
Dasha Chesnokova was mentored by Shirley Ballas for nearly two decades after arriving in the United States from Ukraine in 2008. Chesnokova is also the person who introduced Nonnis to Ballas for dance instruction.
Have Shirley Ballas or Giuseppe Nonnis confirmed a relationship?
As of late September 2026, Chesnokova stated that Nonnis insists there is nothing going on between them, though public sightings of the pair together have fueled widespread media coverage.
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