Fans predict missing Anton Du Beke from Strictly pro list means it's bye bye Bruno Tonioli

Virgin Radio

1 Apr 2022, 14:43

Viewers of the sequin-spangled show have come up with the theory that long-serving professional dancer Anton Du Beke could be foxtrotting into Bruno's judging shoes for good.

With the BBC revealing its official 2022 pro dancers this week, people couldn't help but notice Du Beke's name was missing from the glittering lineup.

One fan commented: "Oh, I just remembered with the Strictly professionals line up Anton wasn't on it. I'm hoping he stays as a judge and Bruno stays for Dancing With The Stars."

Another wrote: "Come on @bbcstrictly let Anton know that he is a permanent fixture on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel."

One jumped the gun and celebrated: "Woohoo, Anton's a judge!"

Another said: "No Anton? Is he leaving or judging?"

A user replied: "Judging!"

One fan pleaded: "Pleeeeeeaaaaaasssseee Anton. Strictly needs you. Would love to see you fronting the show. Failing that judging. You are just the best."

Anton stood in for Bruno as a judge in the 19th series after he was unable to travel due to Covid rules.

Head judge Shirley Ballas told The Mirror: "I hope Anton stays, but we could have five seats.

"I just did the tour with Bruno and he was on point and on form," she added. "There is nobody like Bruno. He is a force to be reckoned with."

Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood is also keen to make room for both of them. He told The Sun last month: "Bruno doesn't know if he'll be back. It's hard to commit.

"I hope he returns. I've always said there's space for five judges."

Bruno, who has been busy on Dancing With the Stars in the US was on the recent Strictly panel during the show's tour alongside Horwood and Ballas which took place earlier this year. 

Craig told The Sun last year about Anton's time on the panel: “I am so pleased now that he is a judge, finally.

"There are only so many years you can be front-row dancing, then the second row, then the third and fourth.

"Then the only place left, darling, is a dancer’s sheer death — in the wings."

Keep dancing... and guessing...