Former Strictly favourite Natalie Lowe has shown her support for Bruno Tonioli after it was announced he won't be behind the Strictly Come Dancing judges' desk when the BBC One show returns this year.
Fans have said they'll miss the rambunctious Italian TV judge and choreographer in his usual role in the studio.
Instead he'll be appearing by video link for the Sunday results show and pro dancer Natalie, who worked on the show for seven series, has backed the decision.
Natalie, who competed on the flagship BBC show until 2016, thinks the panel's most exuberant judge will still be able to deliver the same boundless energy via link-up.
"Really sad that Bruno will be missing so many shows but can’t wait to see the energy he still manages to bring on video link!" she said.
"Will put my Zoom efforts to shame.
"Plus how big will 'the return of Bruno' be when he’s back in person?!"
Fans rushed to agree with Natalie, who lives near Knutsford with her husband James and their baby son Jack.
"We will be deprived of him falling off his chair as much," said one.
"I'm sure he will still bring the same amount of energy to the show by video link."
"Love Bruno, so glad we will still get to see him," said another.
The decision has been made to accommodate Bruno while he takes part in the US version Dancing With The Stars.
He usually flies back and forth but that's not possible this year as current rules amid the coronavirus pandemic say anyone flying between the US to the UK must self-isolate for two weeks.
The BBC say Bruno will still be involved remotely in the Sunday results shows and return fully towards the end of the series.
This year's series will also be slightly shorter than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Strictly usually begins in September and ends in mid-December, overlapping with Dancing With The Stars which usually ends in late November.
This year Strictly is rumoured to launch on October 24 but this hasn't been confirmed yet.
