Strictly Come Dancing has revealed that professional dancer Anton Du Beke will cover for Bruno Tonioli again for the new series. Previously, he did a two-week stint as a stand-in judge for the 2020 series of the competition.
The decision has been made due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding international travel restrictions, meaning Bruno Tonioli, who is also a judge on Dancing With The Stars in the USA, will be unable to take part in the series this year.
Confirming the news, Bruno said in a statement: "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."
It’s the judges! Please welcome back to Strictly, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse AND Anton Du Beke, who’ll be stepping into Bruno Tonioli’s shoes for 2021! Find out more 👉https://t.co/8MTy1ucsGD pic.twitter.com/m4gd2KSsFuJune 24, 2021
Anton has also spoken about his new judging role, telling fans: "My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly. 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."
Prior to his new judging responsibilities, Anton has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing since the show began in 2004. He's been paired up with stars such as Emma Barton, Patsy Palmer, and Kate Garraway.
Anton Du Beke will join regular judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Shirley Ballas for the new series, with the official release date yet to be confirmed by the BBC.
Anton joining the judging panel isn't the only big change for 2021, as it was confirmed that Janette Manrara would replace Zoe Ball on It Takes Two. The professional dancer said she was stepping down from the competition to take on this new presenting role.
