Bruno Tonioli's return to Strictly Come Dancing panel 'still to be decided'

He appeared virtually last year

Author: Georgie HollandPublished 23rd Jun 2021

Beloved Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli's return to the panel for the 2021 series is "still to be decided", with fellow judge Shirley Ballas, who will be returning alongside Motsi Mabuse, telling GB News that due to travel restrictions it is uncertain whether he will be able to make it.

Speaking on the return of the much-loved Italian choreographer, 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."

As fans of the show will know, Bruno appeared virtually on the last series following the restrictions put in place due to the pandemic. Despite his return to the show being undecided as of yet, Shirley did confirm that the 2021 series will much more like the original format we all know and love.

After a rather scaled back 2020 series, Shirley delighted fans as she 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."

She then continued: "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."

Bruno is yet to speak out about the matter, however is has been reported that even if he can't quite make it to this year's series, he's keen to appear on a video link here and there through the series.

Check out the rumoured line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2021:

Chris Whitty

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.

Vicky McClure

Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.

Gregory Piper

Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.

Perri Kiely

Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."

Tom Malone Jr

After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."

Munroe Bergdorf

Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.

She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."

Carrie Symonds

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."

Cheryl

After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?

Tommy Fury

After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.

Maya Jama

TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.

Alan Carr

Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?

Michelle Keegan

Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.

But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."

As of yet, no start date has been released for Strictly Come Dancing 2021, but usually the show hits our TV screens on BBC towards the end of September.

Now read:

Strictly Come Dancing 2021: All of the rumoured celebrities

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