BRUNO Tonioli is reportedly set to make a “big comeback” to Strictly Come Dancing for its series finale. The 64-year-old choreographer shocked fans after revealing he will miss this year’s show and will judge the US version instead. However, an insider has since claimed that Bruno may still appear on the 18th season of the […]
BRUNO Tonioli is reportedly set to make a “big comeback” to Strictly Come Dancing for its series finale.
The 64-year-old choreographer shocked fans after revealing he will miss this year’s show and will judge the US version instead.
Bruno Tonioli could make a sensational Strictly Come Dancing return[/caption]However, an insider has since claimed that Bruno may still appear on the 18th season of the BBC dance contest.
A source told the Daily Star: “Everyone at Strictly was devastated when they found out Bruno was going to pull out of this year’s series.
“Travel restrictions in place because of coronavirus meant he couldn’t fly back and forth to do both shows this year, so he picked Dancing With The Stars. But Strictly’s producers were still keen for him to make an appearance if it was possible.”
The source continued: “Dancing With The Stars usually ends a few weeks before Strictly’s final. So the plan is for Bruno to jet back to the UK as soon as he’s finished with his commitments in the US.
The choreographer is missing out on this year’s show in favour of the US version[/caption] A source revealed Bruno may be free for a ‘big comeback’[/caption]“There will be enough time for him to do two weeks in quarantine if needed. And then he will be free to make his big comeback on Strictly.”
The judge usually flies between America and London each week to be on the panel for both shows.
However, he recently told bosses he would stay in the US where he spends most of his time — and is paid significantly more for his appearances.
A source explained: “Things have been up in the air as everyone works out what is going to be possible. But Bruno has had to make a decision.
The judge usually splits his time between the two shows [/caption] Bruno had previously given Cheryl Tweedy his blessing to replace him[/caption]“There is no way to travel back and forth at the moment, so he’s told bosses in the UK that unfortunately he will be staying over there.
“He spends a lot of his time in the States now, and the truth is he does earn a lot more from the US version.
“The hope is things might change and he’ll be able to make at least a guest appearance.”
The Sun previously revealed Strictly bosses had snubbed Cheryl Tweedy as Bruno’s coronavirus stand-in — and decided on three judges.
Bruno had even given the singer his blessing to replace him if Covid-19 travel restrictions keep him out of the UK.
The source said: “They don’t want to go through a long process of replacing him when he could have done it anyway so it’s very doubtful Cheryl will be there, not as a judge anyway.”