Strictly bosses confirm Anton Du Beke will REPLACE Bruno Tonioli
Bruno has left the show
Last updated 20th May 2022
Reports broke earlier this week that Bruno Tonioli had made the decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing after 18 years in order to focus on the American version of the series, and now the news has been confirmed by BBC bosses.
Who are the judges on Strictly Come Dancing this year?
Bruno will leave the show after 18 amazing years and will be replaced by former professional and last year's stand in judge Anton Du Beke.
Just like he did last year when Bruno couldn't make the show due to travel restrictions Anton will sit on the panel alongside head judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
55-year-old Anton said: “Woohooo! This is BRILLIANT news. Everyone knows how much I absolutely love the show and I’m utterly delighted to be continuing as a regular judge. And I get to make the final again – now I know how Giovanni feels!”
Speaking about her return to the panel, Shirley said: “Being a judge on Strictly is such a joy and honour for me, and I can’t wait to be back at the studio waving my paddle.
“Every year the wonderful production team surpass themselves and I know they have some brilliant plans in store for 2022. I’m so excited to get started.”
Motsi, who joined the panel in 2019 to replace Dame Darcey Bussell, went on to say of her fourth series: “Last year’s series of Strictly was one of the highlights of my career, it has had such a real impact which has been incredible to witness. I am so proud to be a part of this show and I am so looking forward to returning for my fourth series!"
Although nothing was official about the judging panel until today (Thursday 19th May), many fans were convinced Anton would be back for the 2022 series when he was absent from the professional dancer line-up.
The line-up, which includes fan favourites Kai Widdrington, Gorka Márquez, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell and Karen Hauer, was unveiled back in March.
Check out al of the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing 2022:
Kai Widdrington
Cameron Lombard
Nikita Kuzmin
Jowita Przystal
Amy Dowden
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.
Giovanni Pernice
Italian Champion Giovanni Pernice is the longest-serving male professional on the current line-up of Strictly pros, having joined the show in 2015. He lifted the Glitterball with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis back in 2021 and was most recently paired with presenter Richie Anderson.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2023 he was paired with Nikita Kanda.
Johannes Radebe
Karen Hauer
Katya Jones
Graziano Di Prima
Luba Mushtuk
Nadiya Bychkova
Nancy Xu
Neil Jones
Carlos Gu
Michelle Tsiakkas
Vito Coppola
Lauren Oakley
Reports were rife earlier this week that Italian Bruno had made the decision to leave the show.
An insider for Strictly told The Daily Mail: "Bruno has quit the show for good. He's going to be a judge only on Dancing With The Stars from now on."
The 66-year-old sits alongside Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough on the American version of the show, which is called Dancing With The Stars.
Meanwhile, bosses will be hoping the 2022 series is as popular as last year's show, which saw celebrities such as Rose Ayling-Ellis, AJ Odudu, Judi Love, Adam Peaty, Dan Walker, John Whaite and Katie McGlynn all take part.
EastEnders actress Rose became the first deaf contestant to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, going on to win the show alongside pro partner Giovanni Pernice.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later this year.
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