Bruno Tonioli WILL appear on this year's Strictly but not in his usual role

He's not being replaced after all!

Author: Alex RossPublished 15th Sep 2020

Rumours have been rife in recent months as to which famous face would be replacing popular Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli, as the 64-year-old is currently living in America during the Coronavirus pandemic.

As Bruno is also a judge on the American series Dancing With The Stars, he's unable to travel between the UK and US like he normally would, meaning bosses were thrown into chaos about this year's judging panel.

However, after the first episode of Dancing With The Stars aired last night, Bruno joined today's (Tuesday 15th September) episode of Good Morning Britain, where he spoke about his upcoming involvement in the UK version of Strictly.

Although he confirmed he won't physically be on the panel, Bruno seemed to reveal nobody will be replacing him, with Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse taking charge.

Speaking on GMB, Bruno said, “I will watch the show and then we’ll do a segment which will be shown on the results show – it’s like another view. It wouldn’t be right for me to interfere in the judging process because I’m not there.

"There’s things you see when they’re 8ft away from you. Craig, Shirley, Motsi know exactly what they’re doing.

It will be my point of view, overall, pointing out this and that.. I’m glad that I’m able to do it.”

Meet this year's Strictly Come Dancing contestants below:

Caroline Quentin

Actress Caroline Quentin will take part in the 2020 series. She's most famous for roles in popular shows such as Men Behaving Badly and Jonathan Creek.

Max George

Former The Wanted star Max George will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of his band mate Jay McGuiness, after Jay won the show back in 2015.

Jason Bell

Former American footballer Jason Bell will be showing off his moves on the dance floor! He's also the ex-boyfriend of Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle.

Ranvir Singh

Good Morning Britain presenter will be mixing early morning and grueling rehearsals as she's signed up for the 2020 series.

Nicola Adams OBE

Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams will make history on the show as she's set to be part of the first ever same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Clara Amfo

Radio and TV presenter Clara Amfo has also been confirmed for the 2020 line-up!

Bill Bailey

Comedian Bill Bailey revealed he decided to take part in the show for a new 'challenge', admitting his late mum would have loved watching him on the show.

JJ Chalmers

Scottish TV presenter JJ Chalmers has also joined the line-up! The former Royal Marine is best known for being a public speaker and an Invictus Games medallist.


JJ suffered some life-changing injuries in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2011.

Jamie Laing

After being forced to quit the show in 2019 due to injury, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is back to show off his moves in 2020!

Maisie Smith

EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, who plays the role of Tiffany Butcher on the BBC soap, has also been announced in the line-up.

HRVY

Pop star HRVY, real name Harvey Leigh Cantwell, is the 11th celebrity to join the line-up.

Jacqui Smith

The line-up is completed by former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

Bruno was also quick to talk about his new look, after debuting grey hair back in lockdown!

Revealing his thought process behind his change, Bruno said, “I was thinking about it for a long time, you just basically need to shave your head and start again - this is the time. It’s liberating. I’m glad people like it. It’s so much easier.”

Meanwhile, in other Strictly news, it's been confirmed that there will be a live studio audience this year, with fans of the show urged to apply for tickets up until Sunday 20th September.

Guidance on the BBC website states, "To make the most of the limited space we'll have in the studio this year because of our social distancing measures, for the first time ever tickets will be allocated to groups of four, allowing you to come along as a family bubble/household group.

"We'll be able to seat family groups of four people from the same household/social bubble at cabaret tables and in balcony seating. Cabaret tables and balcony seats will be allocated randomly, in advance of your arrival at the studio."

Find out everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2020 right here.

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