Bruno Tonioli star of Strictly Come Dancing has announced on the One Show that he will not be returning to the BBC flagship show after 18 years to focus on his judging duties on the US version. Fans were left shocked and gutted after the star announced he would no longer be appearing on the show.
The Italian star pulled out of the most recent BBC series over travel restrictions between Britain and the US, where he is a judge on Dancing With The Stars. The Strictly judge admitted when questioned by host Ronan Keating that he 'Can't guarantee he will be back' and he 'Will not be gone forever'
One fan on twitter said: "Oh, Bruno, I’ll miss you so much but hopefully you will make a guest appearance at some point. Take care."
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A second said: "Would’ve been great with 5 judges oh well all the best to @BrunoTonioli". Another said Bruno is 'an enormous part of the show and sorely missed'.
Piers Morgan tweeted: "Congrats to my great mate @BrunoTonioli on a wonderful 18yr run on @bbcstrictly - fabulous judge, fabulous man. Our loss is America’s gain." Motsi Mabuse said in tweet:" Thank you for your kindness and warmth, I came in and I was met with such love wishing you all the best."
Bruno also announced that he would be replaced on the judging panel by former Strictly dancer Anton Du Beke, who stood in for him during the last series. Anton will join Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse on the judging panel, Bruno confirmed. He also confirmed that he will concentrate on the dancing competition across the pond.
Despite fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood previously backing the 66-year-old’s return, reports have emerged in recent months that BBC bosses wanted Anton to stay on the panel. He explained he had flown back and forth between the US and the UK for 11 weeks to film both Strictly Come Dancing and its American version Dancing With The Stars.
But he said it was "impossible" to continue because of the rule changes.
"Getting through the airport isn't like it used to be," he added. "It created a situation that is unsustainable. Bruno also gave viewers some hope that he would return to the show in some form as he said he was ready to offer his help as he was missing the audience already.
"I miss it so much. Because of the travel situation, I can't guarantee I am going to be there because everything can happen. Two years ago I changed my flights every week."
Speaking out about a possible return one day, he said: “I might do the tour. I’m not gone forever never count me out.
“I was there from the beginning we created the show we created the formula [and] I’m doing the show in America.
“If they want me to do anything, to contribute in any way or form [I will].”
