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BBC Strictly favourite Bruno Tonioli tipped to return to show four years after shock exit

Bruno Tonioli has been tipped to return to Strictly Come Dancing – four years after his exit.

The Italian dancer was one of the OG judges on the glitzy BBC One show since it first hit screens in 2004. Appearing alongside late star Len Goodman, Arlene Philips and Craig Revel Horwood, the 68-year-old became a firm favourite with viewers.

Alongside his Strictly gig, Bruno also became a judge on America’s Dancing With The Stars over the years. The TV star filmed both the UK and US versions simultaneously for a number of years alongside long-serving host Len.

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However in 2020, fans were disappointed when work commitments and Covid-19 saw Bruno take a break from Strictly Come Dancing. During that time, professional dancer Anton Du Beke took his place.

Bruno was a firm favourite on the BBC show
(Image: Press Association Images)

And in 2022, it was announced that Bruno would not be returning to Strictly at all – making his 2019 series his final ever one. Sharing his reasons for stepping down from the iconic role, Bruno said he and BBC bosses both agreed things were not going to work.

It was clear Bruno was struggling to divide his time between the UK and his role on US show Dancing With The Stars. The US show films around the same time of year as Strictly.

He quit the show in 2022
(Image: PA)

However, it’s now been claimed that Bruno could be returning to the dancing show. In an exclusive odds, provided by BonusCodeBets, the bookies have him at odds of 6/1 to return to Strictly next year.

As for who Bruno could replace on the iconic judging panel, the bookies reckon it could be Anton Du Beke. A spokesperson said: “Anton Du Beke is the 2/1 favourite to be the next Strictly Come Dancing judge to leave the show, with Motsi Mabuse 5/2 to depart.

He has since become a judge on BGT
(Image: PA)

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“While Shirley Ballas, 3/1, and long-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood, 5/1, are both least likely to depart the show.” They added: “With Anton’s future on the show uncertain, speculation has grown as to who could replace him. Strictly legend Bruno Toniolo has emerged as a 6/1 outsider to return to the show ahead of the 2024 season.”

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Bruno said: “There is no animosity, it was a mutual decision with both of us saying, ‘Listen, this is not going to work like it used to.'”

He added: “I just couldn’t do the flying anymore. I don’t know how I survived that schedule. To be honest, it’s a miracle. I have no idea what it did to my health, don’t go there!”

The bookies reckon he could be returning
(Image: PA)

Although it looked as though Bruno’s TV career in the UK was over, fans were delighted when it was revealed that he would be joining Britain’s Got Talent as a judge. After long-serving judge David Walliams decided to step down following his controversial comments, Bruno was up for the challenge and took his place.

Earlier this year Bruno joined Simon Cowell for the iconic 2023 show. Returning favourites Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden also made a comeback to the panel.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


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