Strictly's longest-serving pro Anton Du Beke is CONFIRMED as judge Bruno Tonioli's permanent replacement on series 19 panel... following his successful stint as stand-in
- The BBC has confirmed the star, 54, the longest-serving pro dancer on the show, will make the step up to a judging seat this year for the entire series
- He will replace Bruno Tonioli, who will not be able to take part in the 19th series due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding international travel restrictions
- Anton will join judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood
- He will bring a lot of experience to the panel after he joined 'Strictly' during its first series, and he is the only pro dancer to have danced in every series
Anton Du Beke has joined the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel.
The BBC has confirmed the star, 54, the longest-serving pro dancer on the show, will make the step up to a judging seat this year for the entire series following a successful two-week stint as a panellist last year.
He will replace Bruno Tonioli, who will not be able to take part in the 19th series due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.
Anton Du Beke has joined the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel
Anton, who will join returning judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood, 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.'
The announcement was made via the official BBC Strictly account, as dazzling portraits of the judges were shared alongside the words: '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!'
The BBC has confirmed the star, 54, the longest-serving pro dancer on the show, will make the step up to a judging seat this year for the entire series following a successful two-week stint as a panellist last year
Here they are! The announcement was made via the official BBC Strictly account, as dazzling portraits of the judges were shared alongside the words: 'It’s the judges!'
Bruno - who has been a 'Strictly' judge since 2004 - is 'gutted' about missing this year's show, but he is 'so excited' to see Anton on the programme.
He added: '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 ... ha ha.
'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.'
Anton will bring a lot of experience to the panel after he joined 'Strictly' during its first series, and he is the only pro dancer to have danced in every series to date.
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