It has been confirmed that Anton Du Beke will be a full time judge on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing in place of Bruno Tonioli.
Bruno's involvement in the hit BBC show was hampered last year by the coronavirus pandemic, with Bruno unable to travel from his home in America, where he is on the panel for US version Dancing With The Stars, due to strict travel restrictions.
Instead, he gave his Strictly verdict every week via video link but now, just a day after doubts were cast on his involvement in this year's show, bosses have confirmed that pro dancer and fan favourite Anton will join Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas on the panel as a permanent judge.
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Anton, who reached his first Strictly final in 2019 with EastEnders actress Emma Barton, had a chance to impress as a judge on Strictly 2020 when he stepped in for Motsi after she had to make an urgent trip to Germany.
The news was announced in a post on Strictly's Twitter. The official account posted a picture of Anton, along with colleagues Craig, Motsi and Shirley and wrote: "It’s the judges! Please welcome back to Strictly, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse AND Anton Du Beke, who’ll be stepping into Bruno Tonioli’s shoes for 2021!"
Reating to his new role, Anton 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.”
On missing out, Bruno explained: “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.”
