The mother of Italian dancer Giuseppe Nonnis has denied reports of a romantic relationship between her son and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas. Franca Nonnis, 56, described the connection between Ballas, 66, and her 36-year-old son as strictly professional.

Giuseppe Nonnis and Ballas have been seen together on multiple occasions, including a dog walk that sparked speculation about their relationship. However, Franca Nonnis, who is from Cagliari in Sardinia, explained that Ballas serves as her son’s dance coach. “Shirley is teaching Giuseppe, she’s an excellent teacher and my son is her student,” she said.

Franca Nonnis suggested that her son might be seeking friendship rather than romance after a recent breakup. Last year, Giuseppe ended a five-year relationship with Ukrainian dancer Daria Chesnokova, 38. “I would be surprised if he was already in another relationship. But if he is happy, then I am happy,” Franca Nonnis stated. “I just don’t think he’s ready yet for another relationship. Giuseppe is a very loveable and sociable person. If he is being friendly and close with Shirley, then I’m sure it’s just that.”

The pair danced together earlier this year during the We’ve Danced Through The Century lectures at the Blackpool Dance Festival in May. More recently, Nonnis attended Ballas’s birthday celebration at the Mamma Mia! The Party event at London’s O2 arena. He has also been seen driving Ballas’s £100,000 Porsche.

Shirley Ballas, who has been twice divorced, has been single since her split in 2024 from fiancé Danny Taylor, 53. Despite the speculation surrounding her and Nonnis, there has been no confirmation of a romantic relationship from either party.