Bruno Tonioli has confirmed that he has left Strictly Come Dancing as a judge after being part of the show for almost two decades.
Due to coronavirus travel restrictions, the 66-year-old has not been a full part of the show for the last two years as he has been working on Dancing With The Stars in the US instead.
Last year Anton Du Beke stepped up to the panel to fill in for him but he will now take on the role permanently, returning alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood.
"I may not be gone forever, never count me out. I'll always be a part of the family... I was there from the beginning," Tonioli told The One Show. "The panel were so good last year, it worked, and they have all my support."
In a BBC statement confirming his role, Du Beke said: "Woohooo! This is BRILLIANT news. Everyone knows how much I absolutely love the show and I'm utterly delighted to be continuing as a regular judge. And I get to make the final again - now I know how Giovanni feels!"
The new series starts on BBC One in September.
Neil Wilkes
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