Fresh start as US sitcom star fills in for judge Bruno
Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli is to be replaced ... but just for a week. The Italian dancer is to take a break from the popular Saturday night show next week, with another familiar face standing in his place. Alfonso Ribeiro, best known as Carlton Banks from the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is rumoured to be standing in for 62-yearold Bruno on Saturday. The American actor is no stranger to the programme, having competed in and won its US counterpart Dancing With The Stars in 2014, with his dance partner Witney Carson. It could be the actor’s return to stardom, having remained relatively low-profile since his glory days starring alongside Will Smith in the Fresh Prince. He played his nerdy cousin in the programme, which ran for six years and was nominated for two Golden Globes. Bruno was forced to miss Strictly last year due to a competing commitment on Dancing with The Stars, where he is also a judge. Although Alfonso, or Strictly bosses, are yet to confirm the appearance, a source close to the programme said the whole cast were “excited to have Alfonso on the judging panel”. They said: “He will bring great energy to show.”