Bruno Tonioli, Italian choreographer and TV judge, has revealed on The One Show that he will not be returning to the panel on Strictly Come Dancing. Bruno, 66, dropped his bombshell revelation after host Ronan Keating sked: "What we all want to know is, are you returning to Strictly?"
Bruno paused for a moment and appeared to take stock. The dance guru, who is usually not lost for words, eventually said: “Well, unfortunately, Dancing with Stars has moved onto Disney Plus and it is streaming live. It is a big deal. And it is very, very, exciting."
"Because of the travel situation, I can't guarantee that I’m going to be there because anything can happen. Two years ago I changed my travel tickets every week. And they need continuity. I think Anton has done a fantastic job, he deserves to be on that seat."
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Bruno came well prepared for his massive Strictly announcement. Mid-conversation, he reached behind the interview sofa and picked up a golden paddle that carried the number 10.
Speaking directly to the camera to share a personal message for Anton Du Beke, Bruno said: "Anton, you’ve done a fantastic job. You deserve it. It’s a 10 from me. Carry on, do me proud. But you’ve already done it anyway."
This caused Ronan to exclaim: "Awww." Co-host Michelle Ackerley gushed: "I love that."
Other guests were Scottish singer-songwriter, Tom Walker; Lucy Siegle, an expert on green issues; and Zoe Ball, radio personality and author.
Highlights from today's One Show
At the start of the show, Ronan congratulated Michelle on her engagement. Clocking her excitement, Ronan offered to sing at her wedding.
However, The Life Is A Rollercoaster hitmaker appeared annoyed when Michelle named a Westlife song that she wanted him to sing at her wedding - not one of Ronan’s solo tracks.
Another highlight on the show was Bruno Tonioli’s eye-catching shirt which seemed to divide Twitter.
@QuakeFlower tweeted: “Is it just me or are the shirt buttons under a bit of strain? #TheOneShow.”
@ihnewman tweeted: “3 buttons for bruno #theoneshow.”
Phil Williams however was a fan, who wrote: “#TheOneShow Bruno, great sense of humour, elegant, Italian, serious where it matters. What else could you want in a celeb? My family wish you the best and a very very long life.”
Speaking about Bruno’s decision to step away from Strictly, Lynne Severn tweeted: “Oh, Bruno, I’ll miss you so much but hopefully you will make a guest appearance at some point. Take care.”
The One Show airs on weekdays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
