Former X Factor mentor Cheryl is now the new favourite to replace Bruno Tonioli on Strictly Come Dancing.
The betting started hotting up after BBC officials confirmed that the flamboyant judge would miss the beginning of the series due to his commitments of remaining in LA for the foreseeable future.
With this in mind, Cheryl, who was recently formed part of the talent scouting panel on The Greatest Dancer, which was axed by the BBC last year, is now tipped as the new favourite to take his role.
Bruno, 64, announced that he was committed to being on the dancing competition but was restricted due to coronavirus pandemic.
Cheryl is tipped to be the favourite to replace Bruno Tonioli (Image: Getty Images)
With the 14 day quarantine period attached with travel, when flying from the US to the UK, Bruno will not be able to travel freely to appear in the studio.
But, he will still however have a voting role that he will conduct remotely from his LA home, appearing via video link on Sundays only.
Now that it has been verified that Bruno will be out of the picture, tongues have been set wagging as to who will fill his space on the judging panel.
Due to Covid-19 restricting free travel with quarantine procedures in place Bruno will not return for the next BBC series of Strictly (Image: PA)
The rumour mill was sent into overdrive after the BBC recently decided to get shot of the Dancing competition that featured Cheryl as a judge.
After just two series, the show was taken off air, meaning that the 37-year-old songstress could be looking for work again.
According to bookmaker Coral, Cheryl is the firm favourite with her odds currently sat at 1-2 on taking the judging seat on Strictly.
Cheryl is currently the bookies favourite with Len Goodman following behind in close second (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Although, former panelist is Len Goodman is not too far behind in second place with his odds at 2-1.
Others in with a chance are Anton Du Beke at 5-2 and James Jordan at 4-1.
Revealing those tipped to appear on the BBC favourite, Coral’s John Hill said: “Following the news that Bruno has confirmed that he will not be able to make the show this year, Cheryl is now odds-on in our betting to replace the judge on the panel in 2020.
“Len Goodman is next best in the betting to make a return to the show just for this year in what would be a smooth replacement given his experience in the seat.”
Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens on BBC One in October.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
