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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Sophie McCoid

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 judges confirmed with big shake-up

Strictly Come Dancing has revealed its judging panel for 2021 and there's a big shake-up in store.

Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse will be reprising their roles as Strictly judges later this year.

But Bruno Tonioli will be missing from the panel this year because of uncertainty around coronavirus travel restrictions.

READ MORE: Loose Women shares tribute to Ruth Langsford to say goodbye

Bruno will be replaced by professional dancer Anton Du Beke, who did a two-week stint as a judge in the 2020 series.

Announcing the new panel the BBC said: "Today we are pleased to announce the return of Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse to our judging panel.

"In addition to our tremendous trio, Strictly's longest serving Professional Dancer Anton Du Beke will be taking up residency on the opposite side of the judges desk this year for the entire series, following a two week stint as a judge in 2020.

"Due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding international travel restrictions caused by COVID-19, Bruno Tonioli, who has been a fixture on Strictly since 2004 and is also a judge on Dancing with the Stars in the USA, will be unable to take part in the series this year."

Anton Du Beke joined Strictly during its first series and is the only professional dancer to have danced in every series to date, bringing plenty of experience and expertise to the panel.

Strictly Come Dancing judges for 2021 are Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke (BBC)

Anton Du Beke said: “My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly.

"It’s a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me.”

Bruno Tonioli said: “Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place - it’s just a shame they weren’t available...haha!

"Darlings I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle.”

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