The BBC has said Bruno Tonioli has left the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel and will be replaced by Anton Du Beke. The 66-year-old Italian dancer and choreographer has been a judge since the popular celebrity ballroom show launched in 2004.
The panel for the upcoming 20th series of Strictly will feature Du Beke, as well as returning favourites Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse. Professional dancer Du Beke sat on the judging panel last year while Tonioli, who is a judge on American series Dancing With The Stars, was unable to take part due to “uncertainty over international travel restrictions” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2020 Du Beke also did a two-week stint filling in on the judging panel. He said: “Woohooo! This is BRILLIANT news. Everyone knows how much I absolutely love the show and I’m utterly delighted to be continuing as a regular judge. And I get to make the final again – now I know how Giovanni feels!”
