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Strictly Come Dancing: Anton Du Beke Replaces Bruno Tonioli On Judging Panel

Strictly Come Dancing: Anton Du Beke Replaces Bruno Tonioli On Judging Panel

Anton Du Beke will be swapping the dance floor for the judging panel.

Kimberley Bond

Kimberley Bond

Strictly Come Dancing fans, listen up - we've got some cha-cha-changes to announce.

Anton Du Beke will be replacing firm favourite Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel for 2021.

Anton finally has a seat on the judging panel (
PA Images)

Due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding international travel restrictions caused by COVID-19, Bruno Tonioli, who has been a fixture on Strictly since 2004 and is also a judge on Dancing with the Stars in the USA, will be unable to take part in the series this year.

Now, Anton - who has been a professional dancer on the popular BBC One show since the very beginning, will be quickstepping over to judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse - to provide his expert knowledge of ballroom and dance.

Speaking about the change, Anton, 54, said: "My loves, I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno's brogues for the next series of Strictly.

Bruno has been on the show since it started in 2004 (
BBC)

"It's a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me."

Meanwhile, Bruno added: "Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place - it's just a shame they weren't available...haha! Darlings I'm kidding, I'm kidding!

"Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him. I honestly wouldn't have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle."

Bruno has been forced to step down this year due to Covid-19 (
PA Images)

Last year's Strictly Come Dancing took place under strict lockdown measures, with celebrity contestants and their professional dancers having to form a 'bubble' in order for filming to take place.

Comedian Bill Bailey and partner Oti Mabuse were crowned last season's winners, having been firm favourites to take the Glitterball trophy.

This year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up is still to be announced.

Strictly Come Dancing launches on BBC later this year.

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: BBC, TV News, Strictly Come Dancing