bruno tonioli

Why Bruno Tonioli could miss the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing

His plans to appear on the BBC show may have been interrupted

Online Digital News Director
July 2, 2020

There could be some major changes on this year's Strictly Come Dancing – not least on the judging panel. It is being widely reported that Bruno Tonioli will not be taking part in the 2020 series amid the ongoing coronavirus travel ban.

MORE: Giovanni Pernice reveals secret backstage Strictly conflicts

Bruno, 64, also works on the US version of the show – Dancing with the Stars – and usually travels between London and America to enable him to appear on the panel for both competitions. Insiders have stated, however, that BBC bosses are not expecting him to take part this year, and that he will instead remain in the US.

WATCH: Strictly 2020 Rumoured Contestants

It's not known whether a replacement will be brought in, but a number of names have been linked to the judging position, including Cheryl. Odds have been slashed on the star signing up to the show, with Coral's John Hill telling the Mirror: "With doubts over Bruno Tonioli's availability this year, we have slashed the odds on Cheryl being a judge on Strictly in 2020.

MORE: Dianne Buswell stuns fans with shocking transformation

"Cheryl has been linked with being a contestant on Strictly for a while and they may just get their target this year, but in the judges' chair, rather than the dance floor."

Cheryl has been linked to the 2020 Strictly judging panel

However, an insider told the Sun that BBC bosses have opted not to replace Bruno and are prepared to just have three judges on the panel this year – Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.

MORE: Motsi Mabuse shares rare wedding photos to celebrate third anniversary

Bruno has appeared on Strictly ever since the show began in 2004. In recent years, he has been given a week’s break from the show mid-series to allow him to recover from his intense travelling schedule.

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli

The Italian TV star is renowned for his larger-than-life personality on the BBC dance show, and when it comes to judging he is never afraid to say exactly what he thinks of the couples' dances. He is also one of the only remaining original stars still working on Strictly, along with Anton du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Tess Daly.

Keep up to date with all things Strictly, from the backstage gossip and romance rumours, judges ' verdicts and exclusives

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more