The judging line-up for Strictly Come Dancing has been confirmed after months of speculation. Anton Du Beke will officially replace Brun Tonioli on the panel after impressing bosses and viewers during his stint last year.
The show's longest-serving professional hung up his dancing shoes during the 2021 series, which was won by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice, to act as judge in place of Bruno who couldn't commit to the series due to travel restrictions between the UK and USA where he also works on Dancing With the Stars.
After fans feared Anton, who also did a two-week stint filling in on the judging panel in 2020, was missing from the professional dancer's line-up earlier this year, the BBC has now confirmed he'll return as a judge alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
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Anton said of his role: "Woohooo! This is BRILLIANT news. Everyone knows how much I absolutely love the show and I’m utterly delighted to be continuing as a regular judge. And I get to make the final again – now I know how Giovanni feels!"
Craig, who now becomes the only remaining original member of the Strictly judging line-up, said he was “thrilled” to be returning and added: “It’s going to be fab-u-lous!”. Head judge Shirley commented: "Being a judge on Strictly is such a joy and honour for me, and I can’t wait to be back at the studio waving my paddle.
"Every year the wonderful production team surpass themselves and I know they have some brilliant plans in store for 2022. I’m so excited to get started."
Motsi, who took over from Dame Darcey Bussell in 2019 having previously been a judge on the German version of Strictly, Let’s Dance. also added: "Last year’s series of Strictly was one of the highlights of my career, it has had such a real impact which has been incredible to witness. I am so proud to be a part of this show and I am so looking forward to returning for my fourth series!"
Italian dancer and choreographer Bruno has been a judge since the popular celebrity ballroom show launched in 2004. There have been rumours in recent days that the 66-year-old had quit the popular dance series after 18 years.
The BBC has also confirmed that Strictly will welcome back hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for 2022 while further details regarding the new series - particularly the line-up of celebrities for this year - will be confirmed in due course.
