The cha cha cheek of it ...Strictly star taught to dance by judge Bruno
BRUNO TONIOLI is arguably the most forgiving of the Strictly judges, but don’t be surprised if he is even more generous than usual to new contestant Danny John-Jules.
The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Tonioli has known the actor for decades – and even helped teach him to dance.
The 62-year-old Italian and JohnJules – who performed in musicals and pop videos before finding fame in the TV comedy Red Dwarf and more recently Death In Paradise – trained together at London’s Dance Centre in the late 1970s.
When its head choreographer and former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips was away, Tonioli would often take her classes.
John-Jules said: ‘I have known Bruno for over 35 years. We used to do the same class for Arlene and a lady called Libby Rose and sometimes Bruno would take over teaching from them.’
The 57-year-old – partnered with new Strictly professional star Amy Dowden in the latest series, which launched last night – is one of the most experienced dancers ever to appear on the BBC show. As well as appearing in West End musicals Starlight Express, Soul Train and Barnum, he has danced in videos with acts including Wham!, Lena Zavaroni and The Muppets.
Arlene Phillips confirmed Tonioli’s role as a teacher, but said JohnJules had raw talent. ‘Danny was an amazing dancer. He was bright and full of style and vitality,’ she said. Reflecting on his determination to become a professional dancer, John-Jules said: ‘It wasn’t hard for me. This was a doddle compared with growing up in [London’s] Notting Hill. The luvvies would be like, “Oh, darling, I’m absolutely shattered today.” But I had all that juice.’
John-Jules, who plays Dwayne Myers in the BBC’s Death In Paradise, found himself embroiled in controversy last month over tweets he posted in 2016 alleging Strictly discriminated against black contestants. He said the messages had been intended as a joke and taken out of context. And he insisted he wants no favours from Tonioli. ‘I don’t want him to be nice to me because it would look like a fix.’
Tonioli declined to comment.