Strictly Come Dancing bosses ‘intend to keep Anton Du Beke on as a judge this year and will AXE Bruno Tonioli as they plan to shake up the show’
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly intending to keep Anton Du Beke as a judge on the BBC ballroom dance contest this year, replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Bruno, 66, appeared on the American version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, last year, but pandemic travel restrictions made it difficult for him to fly back to the UK for the British edition, with Anton, 55, taking his place.
Bruno was expected to make a return to the panel this year, particularly after fellow show star Craig Revel Horwood, 57, said the ‘chemistry is a bit flat without’ him, but it has now been claimed show bosses are favouring Anton.
Moving on: Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly intending to keep Anton Du Beke, 55, as a judge on the BBC ballroom dance contest this year
A BBC source told The Sun: ‘We have been told Anton’s contract as a judge is going to be renewed. The bosses were really happy with his performance. It also hasn’t escaped their notice his salary is considerably lower than Bruno’s.
‘Bruno has been an integral part of Strictly for more than a decade, and there is a huge amount of affection for him from those on the show.
‘This decision will ruffle some feathers, not least with Craig, who has been a very, very vocal advocate for welcoming Bruno back. But the bosses’ attitude is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
International star: Bruno, 66, appeared on the American version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, last year, but pandemic travel restrictions made it difficult for him to fly back to the UK
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Anton and Bruno for comment. The BBC declined to comment on the story.
Last year Craig said he was keen to see Bruno back on the panel this year as he believes the panel is ‘flat’ without him.
A source told The Sun in November: ‘Craig feels the chemistry is a bit flat without Bruno. He brought some pizzazz and expertise to the panel.’
Winner: A BBC source told The Sun : ‘We have been told Anton’s contract as a judge is going to be renewed. The bosses were really happy with his performance’
The source added: ‘Craig would love for his pal to return next year and thinks it’s possible now that the world is opening up.
‘They have a spark that is difficult to recreate.
‘But Anton has a strong fan base and there is definitely a camp who would like him to stay.’.
Bold words: Bruno was expected to make a return to the panel, particularly after Craig Revel Horwood, 57, said the ‘chemistry is a bit flat without’ him (pictured with Shirley Ballas)