Tonioli waltzes off Strictly to focus on US version

BRUNO TONIOLI has stepped down as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing after 18 years to concentrate on his US dance show, according to reports.

The Italian dancer and choreographer, 66, has been on the panel since the BBC One show’s launch in 2004.

The Daily Mail reported that he quit to concentrate on his role as a judge on the US show Dancing with the Stars.

In 2020, pandemic travel uncertainty meant Tonioli appeared virtually on Strictly to give his verdict on performances during the Sunday night results show. Last year, he was replaced by professional dancer Anton Du Beke.

Du Beke is now the frontrunner to secure a permanent spot on the panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas.

Tonioli joined the show in its debut series with the original panel of Dame Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Revel Horwood.

The next series will be the first since the departures of professional dancers Oti Mabuse and Aljaz Skorjanec. Oti Mabuse, 31, sister of Motsi, announced her departure in February, and Skorjanec, 32, said he was quitting in March.

Representatives of Tonioli have been contacted for a response. The BBC declined to comment.