Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has weighed in on the so-called “bloodbath” on the hit BBC show after several long-serving professional dancers were reportedly dropped ahead of the new series.
Speaking on the red carpet at the Kinky Boots gala on Sunday, Tonioli struck a pragmatic tone, insisting the long-running series would do “whatever” it takes to endure.
“It’s still the biggest show in the UK – they’ll do whatever they have to do to survive,” he told The Standard.
“The kids will do well, they’re very, very talented – I know them all. Things happen in life. I’d say to them: ‘Carry on, don’t give up, you’re great.’
“I haven’t been part of the show since 2019, so I’m not really qualified to say anything at all – but it’s showbusiness. The show must go on!”
Tonioli was among the stars attending the launch of the musical’s new West End run at the London Coliseum, which continues until July 11.
St Martin’s Lane was shut down for the occasion, with a glamorous catwalk-style red carpet set up alongside a DJ.
Also in attendance were a number of Strictly professionals who turned out to support their friend and co-star Johannes Radebe, who plays drag queen Lola in the show, which features music by Cyndi Lauper.
Among them were Katya Jones, Carlos Gu, Amy Dowden, Jowita Przystal and Luba Mushtuk — one of the dancers recently confirmed to be leaving the show.
Mushtuk shared the news on Instagram on Friday, saying she had believed she had “more time” on Strictly after 10 years on the series.
Fans were left stunned by reports that she, along with Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez were all in the firing line.
Bychkova confirmed her exit in a statement on Instagram last week, days after Hauer announced she was stepping away from the series after 14 years.
The reported changes have sparked questions over how decisions were made, with some speculation about possible ageism.
It has also been claimed that BBC bosses considered factors including social media reach — particularly TikTok — as part of efforts to attract a younger audience.
