Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke 'will replace Bruno Toniolo' in judging shake-up

msn.com:

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly planning to replace long-serving judge Bruno Tonioli with Anton Du Beke. The 55-year-old took over from the Italian dancer, 66, in 2021, after he was forced to remain in the US due to the Covid pandemic and commitments to Dancing With The Stars.

Anton was a firm fan favourite during last year’s series – which saw actress Rose Ayling-Eliis crowned winner – and now, producers are planning to make his transition from the dance floor to the podium permanent, according to The Sun. ‘We have been told Anton’s contract as a judge is going to be renewed,’ said the insider. ‘The bosses were really happy with his performance. ’ The source also claimed that the decision is set to ‘ruffle some feathers’ as fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood was looking forward to having Bruno, who has been part of the Strictly family since 2004, back on the panel. Gallery: Soap Dish: Huge week of spoilers including Corrie cheating caught and EastEnders explosion (Metro)‘Bruno has been an integral part of Strictly for more than a decade, and there is a huge amount of affection for him from those on the show,’ they added.

The choreographer is currently joining Craig and head judge Shirley Ballas on the nationwide tour which is hosted by Strictly pro-turned-presenter Janette Manrara.

Mr Nasty, aka Craig, recently suggested the TV show could accommodate five judges, without the need to dump Anton or Bruno. He suggested to MailOnline: ‘Bruno adds something Anton can’t and vice-versa, if you look at it that way, so I think they’ve both got different opinions which I think is perfectly good. ‘We could easily have five people on that panel.