Bruno Tonioli will be making this return to Strictly Come Dancing for next year’s live tour after missing 2021 TV series due to travel restrictions.
The 65-year-old judge will reunite with Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas on the panel for 33 shows across the UK from January 20.
It will mark the first time he will reunite with his co-judges since February 2020, the final date of the last tour after he was unable to appear on the last two years’ of the show due to Covid restrictions.
He has continued to appear on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, but was unable to film both shows simultaneously as usual due to the travel constraints.
(Image: ABC via Getty Images)
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bruno said: “I am absolutely delighted to be back on the judging panel for the Strictly Arena Tour for the first time in two years.
“I cannot wait to be back alongside Shirley, Craig, the celebs and the pros. The fans are really in for a treat – next year’s arena tour is going to be simply fantastic.”
(Image: ABC via Getty Images)
Bruno has been replaced by Anton Du Beke in his absence, but the professional dancer will not be appearing on the live tour in his capacity as a judge nor a dancer.
Likewise, fellow panelist Motsi Mabuse, 40, will also not be joining them due to her own personal work commitments.
Bruno gushed about the news when talking to Alex Jones and Harry Judd on Thursday’s The One Show.
(Image: ABC via Getty Images)
“Well I am going to come back and I’m doing the tour,” revealed an excited Bruno.
“All over the country. I cannot believe it. I can’t wait to come and see the fans. You’ve done the tour Harry, and it is amazing.
“Ten thousand people there, you get such a rush of adrenaline. The shows are spectacular.”
He added: “I can’t wait. We start in Birmingham, a few weeks all over the country.”
Craig, 56, who also directs the show, said: “I’m delighted to be back directing and judging the 2022 tour.
“Next year is going to be bigger and better than ever before. With Bruno coming back to join us on the judging panel, this tour will be just fab-u-lous.”
Shirley, 61, added: “I’m really looking forward to re-joining Bruno and Craig on the Strictly live tour. The audiences at the arena shows are amazing – I can’t wait for January when we get the show on the road.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
