Strictly Come Dancing's Bruno Tonioli speaks on judging comeback

Strictly Come Dancing's judging panel is once again disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year.

Anton du Beke will be replacing Bruno Tonioli for the 2021 series, but Bruno has revealed he might well be a permanent replacement and there is a chance he won't return to the BBC One show.

He said the decision is ultimately up to the BBC, but providing COVID-19 isn't still an issue next year, he'll be back if they want him.

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anton du beke, strictly come dancing judge november 14

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"But they may say, 'Anton was great, we don't need you'", he opened up to The Sun.

"I'll do something else. It's like James Bond actors, I've done my stint. You cannot be desperate, if you start down that path you'll go insane. I won't be second best."

Bruno opened up about Anton replacing him this year and although he is "sad and frustrated" to be missing the show, he admitted, "Anton was the obvious choice" to take his spot, especially after filling in for Motsi Mabuse last year.

bruno tonioli on dancing with the stars 2020 finale

Eric McCandless//ABC

Bruno did reveal that he wouldn't be watching him as it "wouldn't be fair".

"It'd be weird, like watching an ex with someone new — you just get on with it honey. It'll do me no good as people will ask me what I think and I don't want to stick my nose in when I'm not part of it. I think it's very naff."

craig revel horwood, shirley ballas and bruno tonioli at the strictly come dancing arena tour 2020 dress rehearsal

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Strictly won't be kicking off until the autumn, but there are plenty of rumours about who will be waltzing around the dance floor in this year's potential line-up. Keep checking in for more updates as the new series approaches.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One. It's due to return later in 2021.