bruno tonioli

Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Why Bruno Tonioli is not judging this year

Strictly won't be the same without him

TV & Film Editor
October 17, 2020

Strictly Come Dancing is off to a fabulous start, but fan favourite Bruno Tonioli was nowhere to be seen.

READ: Strictly's Chris Ramsey and his wife Rosie Winter share throwbacks of wedding day

Tess Daly confirmed on Saturday that the judge won't be taking part in this year's competition due to coronavirus restirctions, but will check in remotely on results night each week.

Bruno will be joining the Results show remotely 

Bruno himself confirmed the news in August, saying that as he lives in the US he would be unable to travel to the UK and social distance safely during the lockdown.

WATCH: Strictly specials to air in 2020 - and they look brilliant

Bruno told the BBC: "I absolutely adore being part of Strictly and can't wait to see what incredible dancing this year has in store! Lockdown has resulted in me being in LA for the foreseeable, but I'm excited to be involved as much as I possibly can. There was no cha-cha-chance I'd miss out!"

The show's executive producer Sarah James added: "I'm overjoyed that we've found a way for Bruno to be part of this year's Strictly. His passion and enthusiasm are such a big part of the show, I'm thrilled we can continue to deliver that to audiences this year."

READ: Strictly Come Dancing announces touching tribute to the late Caroline Flack

Bruno will be appearing remotely - but will be back on the show by the end of the series

Bruno's fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood recently revealed that he thinks social distancing will help improve the competition. Chatting on Yahoo UK's White Wine Question Time, he said: "It’ll be very focussed on their dancing which I think will bring out better results to be honest... As you know, the judges are kept in a separate part of the building anyway so we don’t bump into celebrities… If I do I generally get abuse so it’s safer for me to be isolated." 

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