Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas, 66, has been seen getting close to a 36-year-old dancer believed to be her new boyfriend. The pair were spotted on a walk with their dog, sitting close together on a bench, according to a source who spoke to The Sun.
The Italian dance champion and the TV personality have been seen together more frequently in recent weeks. They were previously spotted at Mamma Mia! The Party and appear on each other's social media accounts.
Source describes cozy outing
An onlooker told The Sun: '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.'
Although Ballas has not publicly confirmed a relationship with Giuseppe, the two were paired together during We've Danced Through The Century lectures at the Blackpool Dance Festival.
Past relationship and dating caution
Until 2023, Ballas was engaged to Danny Taylor. She told the Mirror, according to Manchester Evening News, that the split happened because they 'weren't growing together anymore.' She added: 'I was getting more and more worried about things that were going on in his life, and I already have a lot of things to worry about. I just needed some peace.'
In January, she told the Daily Mail she is cautious about dating: 'I am very careful, though, when I do go out with someone. I will have known them for a while.'
New Strictly season ahead
In April, she told The Times about the distress her time with Danny caused, especially worrying about his whereabouts and personal safety. She reflected: 'He's done some things that are really under the table and quite unforgivable. But I'm ok at the moment. No dates. I don't want to call anyone a boyfriend or a this or a that.'
The professional dancer will return to screens with the new season of Strictly, which features new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Ballas will also work with five new professional dancers on the team.
