Bruno Tonioli is already plotting his return to Strictly, we can reveal.
The judge, 64, has had to pull out of the new series because he will be staying in the US to appear on their version, Dancing With The Stars.
But Strictly bosses are desperate to get him back as soon as possible
because “he is so popular with viewers”.
The Beeb has held top-secret meetings with Bruno about when he can return.
And it has been agreed he will make a sensational comeback at the end of this year’s run.
Strictly bosses are desperate to get Bruno Tonioli back as soon as possible because he is so popular with viewers (Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
A show source said: “Everyone at Strictly was devastated when they found out Bruno was going to pull out of this year’s series.
“Travel restrictions in place because of coronavirus meant he couldn’t fly back and forth to do both shows this year, so he picked Dancing With The Stars.
“But Strictly’s producers were still keen for him to make an appearance if it was possible.
The judge, 64, has had to pull out of the new series because he will be staying in the US to appear on their version, Dancing With The Stars (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
“They spoke to Bruno at length about how it could happen.”
The source added: “Dancing With The Stars usually ends a few weeks before Strictly’s final. So the plan is for Bruno to jet back to the UK as soon as he’s finished with his commitments in the US.
“There will be enough time for him to do two weeks in quarantine if needed.
“And then he will be free to make his big comeback on Strictly. After weeks and weeks without him, viewers will love having him back, even if it is brief.”
Bruno has been on Strictly since it launched in 2004 (Image: Supplied by WENN)
Producers do not yet know how many episodes Bruno will be able to appear in, but bosses are confident he will be back in time for the final in December.
Bruno has been on Strictly since it launched in 2004.
He has helped make it television’s top show, with episodes regularly
attracting more than 10million viewers.
The star wowed fans with a new look last week in a video message aired during the BAFTA TV Awards with a deep tan and grey hair.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
