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Katy Hallam & Erin Santillo

BBC Strictly Come Dancing bosses 'axe Bruno Tonioli' from judging panel

Strictly Come Dancing executives have reportedly axed Bruno Tonioli ahead of the 2022 series.

Former professional dancer Anton Du Beke is understood to be replacing the 66-year-old full-time on the judging panel, reports BirminghamLive.

BBC sources told The Sun : “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’.”

Tonioli had starred on the judging panel since the flagship BBC programme started in 2004 (Getty Images)

It comes after a successful judging debut for Du Beke last year, which ultimately saw actor Rose Ayling-Ellis win the Glitter Ball Trophy.

Tonioli was unable to appear in series 19 of Strictly due to Covid travel restrictions combined with TV commitments in the United States.

The Italian choreographer had starred on the judging panel since the flagship BBC programme started in 2004.

Craig Revel Horwood is now the only original judge to remain on the show.

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