Strictly’s Anton Du Beke WILL return to the judging panel for the new series as Craig Revel Horwood confirms he’ll permanently replace Bruno Tonioli
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Craig Revel Horwood has confirmed that Anton Du Beke will return as a judge on next year’s Strictly Come Dancing – replacing show stalwart Bruno Tonioli.
Twinkle-toed star Anton, 55, who was previously a professional dancer on the programme, appeared as a panellist in the 2020 and 2021 series after pandemic travel restrictions prevented Bruno, 66, from flying back from the US.
Speaking at his All Balls and Glitter UK tour, Craig, 57, revealed bosses had told the judges that the ballroom dancer, would be waltzing back to the panel this autumn.
Big news: Craig Revel Horwood has revealed Anton Du Beke will return as a judge on next year’s Strictly Come Dancing – replacing show stalwart Bruno Tonioli
He told The Sun: ‘I really love Anton. I think he is fantastic. I think last year he did a great job on Strictly as a judge.
‘And we have just found out he is going to do it again this year.’
Craig, went on to tell the audience that he did miss his co-star Bruno, who had been on the Strictly panel since the show launched in 2004.
He’s back! Twinkle-toed star Anton, 55, who was previously a professional dancer on the programme, appeared as a panellist in the 2020 and 2021 series after pandemic travel restrictions prevented Bruno, 66, from flying back from the US
The choreographer said they remain to be ‘great mates’ after working side by side for 16 years together.
He went on to reveal that while he did miss the Italian’s energy – Bruno actually struggled to deal with his dramatic performance.
He said: ‘He always used to come off and say, ”Darling, I am exhausted.”
Star power: Craig, went on to tell the audience that he did miss his co-star Bruno, who had been on the Strictly panel since the show launched in 2004 (pictured 2015)
‘And I used to say, ”Well, you created this character darling.” I will just sit there. My job is easy.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Strictly for comment.
Craig previously branded Anton a ‘great addition’ to the Strictly judging panel as the pair admitted that they love playing ‘Good Cop, Bad Cop’ on the show.
Dynamic duo: Craig previously branded Anton a ‘great addition’ to the Strictly judging panel as the pair admitted that they love playing ‘Good Cop, Bad Cop’ on the show
‘Particularly with celebs that haven’t been ‘gifted’, he’s had to manoeuvre them around that dancefloor – and he’s been with great dancers, where he could show off his talents!
The stalwart judge cheered: ‘long may it continue’ of Anton being on the panel, after it was revealed that BBC bosses were split in December over whether to dump the newcomer and bring back Bruno in 2022.
Speaking to Best magazine, Craig said: ‘Anton’s a great addition, he knows the process of working with celebrities inside-out, he’s been there.
Happy: Speaking about his co-star, Craig said: ‘I really love Anton. I think he is fantastic. I think last year he did a great job on Strictly as a judge
‘Armed with all that information, he’s showing great empathy for the celebs – he’s more lenient than me. And he’s funny. Long may it continue, he’s a good egg, Anton.
‘We’re topping and tailing the ladies on the panel, poor things – except we’re about five metres apart, plus there are Perspex screens! We have to lean forward to chat to each other, but that just adds to the fun.
‘You can say, ‘Sorry, Anton, I didn’t hear a word you said, darling…’ We do love to play Good Cop, Bad Cop.’
Earlier this week speculation was rife that Anton would be returning to the judging panel, after he was noticeably absent from the show’s professional lineup when it was unveiled by show bosses.
It was previously claimed sources at the BBC said that Bruno’s decision to choose the role in the States, which is understood to pay him in the region of £800,000 rather than the £250,000 he was getting for his Strictly duties, means that some chiefs think their loyalty should lie with Du Beke.
They also fear that Anton might quit the show, which he has appeared on as a professional dancer since its inception, if he is axed from the judging panel.
Bruno, who was on the Strictly panel since the show launched in 2004, was a judge on the show’s tour alongside Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas which took place earlier this year.
Some suggested that the move could be a ‘sweetener’ for Bruno so they don’t have to invite him back and ditch Du Beke, but others think it is a way of lining up his return.
Concerns? It is claimed there are fears Anton might quit the show, which he has appeared on as a professional dancer since its inception, if he is axed from the judging panel
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