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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Brogan-Leigh Hurst

Strictly Come Dancing's Bruno Tonioli could claim his seat back at Christmas special

Strictly Come Dancing legend Bruno Tonioli could be back to film this year's Christmas special and take Anton Du Beke's seat.

The judge, 65, was forced to miss the 2020 and 2021 series of the BBC One series due to Covid travel restrictions in the US.

But it's been confirmed Strictly is set to film its Christmas special on December 7 - which could give him plenty of time to return to the UK for filming after America lifts the travel ban.

It was initially meant to be filmed in November, but with the date pushed back, it gives fans hope that Bruno can make his huge return.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli could return this Christmas (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The Strictly judge has missed the last two shows (PA)

The show is always prerecorded and broadcast on Christmas Day.

It comes after Bruno revealed he is set to waltz back to Strictly Come Dancing for its UK arena tour next year.

The Italian star pulled out of the current series over travel restrictions between Britain and the US, where he is a judge on Dancing With The Stars.

Bruno Tonioli (ABC via Getty Images)

Anton Du Beke took his place on Strictly but Bruno will be reunited with Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood in a string of live shows.

Bruno said: “I am absolutely delighted to be back on the judging panel for the Strictly Arena Tour for the first time in two years.

“I’ve missed my fellow judges, I’ve missed the glitz and glamour of the tour and I’ve missed the amazing audiences that come to see us – I hope you have missed me too.”

The tour, directed by Revel Horwood, is to feature performances from celebrity and professional dancers from the current series, and will be held in January and February.

He could be set to claim his seat back (BBC)

The audience will be able to vote for their favourite dance each night.

Shirley said: “I’m really looking forward to rejoining Bruno and Craig on tour. The audiences are amazing.”

Craig said: “Next year is going to be bigger and better than ever before. With Bruno coming back, this tour will be just fab-u-lous.”

The shows will be staged in Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow, Nottingham and London.

The Mirror has contacted Bruno's representative for a comment.

*Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays on BBC One.

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