EX-Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli admits real reason behind show exit: 'I don’t know how I survived'

ok.co.uk:

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has spoken about his decision to leave the BBC One show, revealing it is a “miracle” he lasted 18 years on the panel.The 66 year old Italian dancer and choreographer had been a judge since the popular dancing show launched in 2004, but announced his departure in May 2022.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he spoke candidly about his decision to leave his position and shift his focus to his judging role on US show Dancing With The Stars, which films around the same time of year in America.

He said: “There is no animosity, it was a mutual decision with both of us saying, ‘Listen, this is not going to work like it used to’.” Bruno has also held a spot on the Dancing With The Stars panel since its launch in 2005, resulting in frequent flying back and forth between the UK and the US while both shows were running. “I just couldn’t do the flying any more,” he said. “I don’t know how I survived that schedule.To be honest, it’s a miracle.” He added: “I have no idea what it did to my health, don’t go there!” Anton Du Beke was announced as Tonioli’s replacement shortly after Bruno quit.The move followed long-standing professional dancer Anton’s success as a temporary replacement for Bruno during 2021 as a result of Covid-19 pandemic travel restrictions.

Bruno also faced difficulties while appearing on the show in 2020, after pandemic travel uncertainty meant he could appear only via video-link to give his verdict on the performances during the Sunday night results show.To illustrate the toll the “insane” schedule took on him, Bruno reflected on a scary moment during a live Strictly show as he said: “There was a moment in the middle of a run when I blanked.