Strictly's Bruno says it would have been a "nightmare" to return

Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has opened up further about missing the show this year, admitting it would have been a logistical "nightmare" to do it.

The show regular will step away from the series later this year, with Anton Du Beke due to replace him on the panel.

Appearing on today's (July 14) This Morning, Bruno explained that COVID and his contract with Dancing with the Stars in the US has made things impossible.

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"It's to do with COVID," he said. "It's because I've signed the American contract, and at the moment the BBC has to abide by regulations.

"So we don't know if I can go backwards and forwards. Because I used to fly in, literally three days in the UK and three days in America.

"And if I could, I really would do it," Bruno continued. "I love the show, it's fabulous, it really is. It hurts, but contractually it's going to be a nightmare. It can't happen. So the BBC, together we said, 'Let's pass this year and see what happens.'

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"But I'm there, my heart is with you guys. You're going to do a fantastic show and I'm sorry but I can't do it this year. Maybe in the future."

It comes after Bruno recently revealed that he would be up for returning if he was able to next year, telling The Sun: "But they may say, 'Anton was great, we don't need you'.

"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."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One. It's due to return later in 2021. This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am.