Strictly’s Bruno Tonioli’s judging role in doubt for second year in a row
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Bruno Tonioli may not return to the BBC1 contest for a second year running.
That's according to his fellow judge on the show, Shirley Ballas, 60, who says ongoing uncertainty over Covid restrictions may prevent him from returning to the UK.
Last year Bruno, 65, was forced to stay in the US and judge Dancing with the Stars rather than appear on Strictly, as crossing the Atlantic proved too problematic.
But she confirmed that her other panelist, Motsi Mabuse, 40, would be returning despite fears she may have been tied up with shows in Germany when she was expected to be on Strictly this autumn.
Speaking on GB News, Shirley said: "I do believe that Motsi is back, Bruno they are still deciding depending on the rules flying in and flying out. I know Bruno, if he can make it he will."
But Shirley insisted that many of the elements that had to be shelved last year because of Covid restrictions would be coming back.
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She said she was determined to be on the panel despite still suffering from tiredness as a result of having Covid in March and the discovery of a lump in her shoulder which could potentially be cancerous.
Shirley said: "Be prepared for 13 weeks of pure joy there will be some tweaks here and there and the line up sounds like it's going to be absolutely off the chart.
"Just when you think it couldn't get any better it does and Sarah our exec just goes for it and she just finds all sorts of different things that are going to entertain the people in the autumn winter months so we are very very excited."