Shirley Ballas, 66, steps out with new man, 36, as pair snuggle on loved-up dog walk

STRICTLY’S head judge Shirley Ballas has grown close to a hunky Italian dance champ. The 66-year-old was spotted on a dog walk with Giuseppe Nonnis, 36, over the weekend. Shirley Ballas has grown close to a hunky Italian dance champ Giuseppe Nonnis, 36 Credit: TillenDove Shirley is Strictly’s head judge Credit: PA Our exclusive pictures show Shirley and the toyboy snuggled close sipping coffees while she looks at her phone. Later, they took time out on their walk to sit side-by-side on a park bench. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! It comes a week after World Championship finalist Giuseppe was seen alongside Shirley at her birthday bash at Mamma Mia! The Party in London’s O2. He was also recently seen driving the BBC1 dance show judge’s £100,000 ­Porsche. Our exclusive pictures show Shirley and the toyboy snuggled close sipping coffees while she looks at her phone Credit: TillenDove A source who spotted the pair said: ‘Giuseppe and Shirley looked very ­comfortable together as they enjoyed a walk in the sunshine’ Credit: TillenDove The pair take a break from their South London stroll Credit: TillenDove The couple spotted getting closer Credit: TillenDove A source who spotted the pair said: “Giuseppe and Shirley looked very ­comfortable together as they enjoyed a walk in the sunshine. “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.” Fans have spotted that Shirley — who split from fiancé Danny Taylor, 53, in 2024 after six years together — has sent love and flame emojis to Giuseppe’s Instagram posts. And she has also shared heartwarming messages under them. Most read in TV World Championship finalist Giuseppe Credit: Instagram Giuseppe Nonnis The new connection comes a year after Shirley told a podcast that she had abandoned all hope of finding love, saying: ‘Every relationship has ended up being a disaster’ Credit: mscpressarea This summer Giuseppe posted a snap with his new niece and Shirley commented: “I love the way Anna is holding on to your necklace, Giuseppe, how sweet. Just beautiful and so precious.” Shirley — who returns to our screens on Strictly this Saturday — and Giuseppe have danced together a number of times and he was her partner during May’s We’ve Danced Through The Century lectures at the Blackpool Dance Festival. The new connection comes a year after Shirley told a podcast that she had abandoned all hope of finding love, saying: “Every relationship has ended up being a disaster.” Shirley, who has had two failed marriages, said: “I’m obsessed with what I am and with what I do. So it’s not just a job for me. I’m married to it. That’s probably why I don’t have a relationship. “I don’t think I’m put on Planet Earth to have a relationship. With my last boyfriend I thought that I’d found The One and that also didn’t work.” The judge divorced ballroom pro Sammy Stopford in 1984 after four years together. She went on to marry Corky Ballas in 1985 and was with the dancer until 2007. Comment now