Bruno Tonioli has revealed that he stepped down as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing due to the exhaustion caused by flying between the UK and US.
The 66-year-old had been part of the Strictly panel since it started in 2004 but took a break last year due to coronavirus before confirming earlier this year that his departure would become permanent.
Tonioli is also a judge on the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, and used to fly from London to Los Angeles and back every week in order to work on both programmes.
"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 told the Daily Mail.
"I just couldn't do the flying any more. I don't know how I survived that schedule. To be honest, it's a miracle."
He also revealed that he once blanked out during one of the live shows, adding: "There was a moment in the middle of a run when I blanked. I did not know where I was or what I was doing.
"It only lasted a second, then I saw the audience looking at me and it all came back to me."
Having filled in for Tonioli last year, Anton Du Beke will step up to the panel as his permanent replacement when the new series starts in September.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
